Ukraine: ICRC President meets authorities, families of prisoners of war, and communities affected by the international armed conflict

During her visit, President Mirjana Spoljaric met with Andriy Yermak, the head of the office of the president of Ukraine; Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights; the heads of Kherson and Mykolaiv Regional Administrations; and the leadership of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society. Ms Spoljaric’s visit ended Sunday.

“My visit to Ukraine gave me a first-hand view of a devastating humanitarian situation. I saw how families have been torn apart and how power cuts and freezing temperatures have increased the suffering for too many during this difficult winter,” President Spoljaric said. “I met with the relatives of prisoners of war, civilian internees, and the missing. The ICRC is sparing no effort to see all prisoners of war as soon as possible and reach all persons protected under the Geneva Conventions—wherever they are.”

In recent weeks ICRC teams have visited more prisoners of war held by Russia and Ukraine, allowing delegates to check their conditions and treatment, share news with their families, and provide personal items like blankets, warm clothes, hygiene products and books.

The ICRC, together with its partners of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, remains committed to helping those most affected by the international armed conflict in 2023. This includes working to urge respect of international humanitarian law and other applicable norms, including the protection of civilians and essential services.