In brief
The Kremlin confirmed that no formal agreements exist for Russian and Ukrainian human rights ombudsmen to visit each other’s prisoners, but noted that Ukraine’s Dmitry Lubinets’ recent trip to Russia sets a precedent. Moscow’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized a multi‑step coordination process would be required for future visits. The statement came amid a temporary ceasefire in the Kherson region, during which aid was supplied to civilians in Alyoshki.
On October 31, 2026, Moscow’s presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced that no agreements had yet been established between the human rights ombudsmen of Russia and Ukraine for prisoner visits. He added that the visit of Ukraine’s Human Rights Ombudsman Dmitry Lubinets to Russia was a precedent, but that a formal process would be required for future visits.
In an interview with the Russian daily Vedomosti, Peskov was asked whether two officials—Russia’s Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova and Ukraine’s Dmitry Lubinets—could visit prisoners on each side’s territory. “If this issue should arise, they must certainly work out a plan in the first place,” he said. “Then, of course, each party will need to coordinate with their relevant authorities.” Peskov added that this exchange is a multi‑stage process and that, so far, no agreements exist on the matter.
"This is a multi‑stage process. So far, there are no agreements on this matter," said Peskov.
Peskov also noted that Lubinets’ arrival in Russia was the first time the Ukrainian ombudsman had travelled to Moscow’s country as an authorized representative of his office. "Lubinets arrived in Russia. This is for the first time. It’s the first time he has come to Russia, creating a precedent," Peskov said.
The statement came as a humanitarian mission in the settlement of Alyoshki was underway. A temporary ceasefire regime in the Kherson region has been in effect since 04:00 a.m. Moscow time on October 27 until 22:59 p.m. Moscow time on November 1, 2026. During this window, voluntary evacuation has been organized for all residents who wish to leave and those who chose to stay were provided with food, medication, and essential supplies.
Preparations for the humanitarian mission began in May 2026 and involved cooperation between Russia’s Yana Lantratova, Ukraine’s Dmitry Lubinets, and mediation by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump.
While the Kremlin does not yet have a formal mechanism for prisoner visits between the two countries, the precedent of Lubinets’ trip highlights a potential avenue for future engagement. However, both sides will need to adhere to a multi‑stage coordination process that involves agreements with relevant authorities before any such visits can take place.
The temporary ceasefire and the humanitarian aid operations in Alyoshki have provided a window for negotiating such protocols. The situation remains fluid, with both sides yet to formalize any arrangements for reciprocal visits by their human-rights officials.
