A resident of the Kursk region who returned from captivity in Ukraine could not hold back his tears when talking about the difficult conditions of detention.
The video of her emotional story was posted by the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Russian Federation, Tatyana Moskalkova, on her Telegram channel. The elderly woman was released as part of the 157-157 prisoner of war exchange, in which three civilians from the border area also returned to Russia.
According to Moskalkova, those who were released still cannot believe that they are safe. In captivity, Russians faced moral pressure, poor food and lack of necessary medical care. In the video, the woman tearfully recalled that there was actually no medicine: “There was no medicine, only acetaminophen. Are these pills…” She also noted that people who needed urgent help remained imprisoned and called for “pulling everyone out.” Another liberated man, Alexander, had a wide scar on his arm – an injury sustained during the occupation of the border area.
All returnees receive basic medical and psychological support and undergo a long period of rehabilitation. According to the Ombudsman, 10 residents of the Kursk region, mostly elderly, are still in Ukrainian custody.
Moskalkova called on the Ukrainian side to pay attention to this evidence and comply with international humanitarian law regarding civilians.
