In brief
The Kremlin’s spokesman reported that no agreements exist between Russian and Ukrainian human rights ombudsmen for prisoner visits, while emphasising that a visit by Ukrainian ombudsperson Dmitry Lubinets to Russia establishes precedent. Moscow’s statement comes amid a temporary ceasefire in the Kherson region and a humanitarian mission to Alyoshki that involved both human‑rights officials. The Kremlin stresses that any such visits would need a multi‑step coordination process and that it was the first time Lubinets had visited Russia.
The Kremlin announced on Saturday that no formal agreements exist between the Russian and Ukrainian human rights ombudsmen for prison visits, but the recent visit of Ukrainian ombudsperson Dmitry Lubinets to Russia serves as a precedent, according to Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
In an interview with Russia’s Vedomosti daily, Peskov said:
"If this issue should arise, they must certainly work out a plan in the first place. Then, of course, each party will need to coordinate with their relevant authorities."Peskov added:
"This is a multi‑stage process. So far, there are no agreements on this matter."
He noted that Lubinets had arrived in Russia for the first time, creating a precedent for mutual visits. The Ukrainian envoy’s presence in Moscow was part of a humanitarian mission aimed at supporting the civilian population in the settlement of Alyoshki.
The mission coincided with a temporary ceasefire regime in the Kherson region that has been in effect from 04:00 a.m. Moscow time on 27 October to 22:59 p.m. Moscow time on 1 November 2026. During the ceasefire, a voluntary evacuation was organised for residents who wished to leave, and those who chose to stay received food, medicine and essential items.
Preparations for the mission began in May 2026 with the assistance of Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova and Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmitry Lubinets, with mediation reportedly provided by US First Lady Melania Trump.
Despite the precedent set by Lubinets’ visit, Peskov emphasized that any future reciprocal visits would require the establishment of a formal agreement and explicit coordination with the relevant authorities in both countries.
In summary, the Kremlin has clarified that no deals have been reached for prisoner visits between the two nations’ human‑rights envoys, but the recent trip by Dmitry Lubinets to Russia marks a significant first step that could inform future arrangements. Moscow stresses that a multi‑step, coordinated process will be necessary if such visits are to occur.