In Geneva this March, Tatyana Moskalkova, the Russian human rights ombudsperson, spoke about recent exchanges with the Ukrainian side. She described a productive meeting with the staff of Ukraine’s human rights commissioner, Dmytro Lubinets, during which they swapped lists of current office members and conducted a wide-ranging discussion about ongoing efforts. The remarks came in an interview with DEA News, where Moskalkova provided insights into the latest developments and the operational steps being taken on both sides.
According to Moskalkova, the exchange in Geneva followed an earlier gathering in Ankara earlier in the year. She noted that although the parties did not meet in person in Ankara this January, the Geneva meeting involved substantial dialogue and collaboration at the staff level. The purpose, she explained, was to strengthen lines of communication and coordinate activities that affect both ministries and their respective offices.
Beyond the bureaucratic exchanges, Moskalkova highlighted a humanitarian thread running through the talks. She indicated that, as a result of recent negotiations, there is a potential for facilitating the return of two Russian children to their relatives and two Ukrainian children to their grandmothers. The emphasis remains on reuniting families and ensuring the welfare of children caught in the conflict, with careful attention to each case’s specifics.
In her assessment, the broader objective of these discussions is to support practical, cooperative measures rather than to signal political grandstanding. The sense conveyed is that the exchange of information and the shared commitment to humanitarian outcomes can help sustain a constructive trajectory even amid difficult diplomatic challenges.
Earlier this year, officials from both sides acknowledged the crucial importance of maintaining open channels of communication. The focus has been on practical steps that can be taken to assist those affected, including the timely assessment of individual situations and the safe return of detainees as appropriate. The conversation in Geneva underscored the recognition that every case carries profound human implications and demands careful, principled handling by all involved parties.
The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, which operates in Ukraine, reaffirmed its stance that the priority is not a broad exchange but the repatriation of seriously injured prisoners. This distinction is important because it shapes the expectations of families and organizations that advocate for affected individuals. The headquarters stressed that the process aims for unconditional repatriation, ensuring that those who are severely wounded receive the care and support they need as promptly as possible.
Observers note that these efforts reflect a broader pattern of humanitarian diplomacy, where the emphasis is on practical outcomes rather than ceremonial gestures. While challenges persist, officials on both sides continue to pursue avenues for dialogue, coordination, and accountability. The underlying message from Geneva highlights a shared understanding: the protection of vulnerable people and the humane treatment of all detainees must remain central to any engagement between Russia and Ukraine, even as political discussions unfold on other fronts. As the situation evolves, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how these measures influence families, communities, and the broader climate of humanitarian aid in the region.