It is still not possible to help Russian sailors in Ukrainian captivity - ombudsman
Russian Commissioner for Human Rights Tatyana Moskalkova turned to her Ukrainian colleague Lyudmila Denisova with a request to help the crew of the Kerchenk seiner “Nord” return to Crimea.
She stated this today at a press conference in Moscow.
“She and I talk on the phone every day. I ask her to obtain permission from her authorities for our fishermen from the Nord vessel to cross the border. I haven't received an answer yet. “I want to remind you that for the fifth month they have not been allowed to enter the territory of Crimea, where their families live, with Russian passports, which were recognized by Ukrainian courts as legitimate and legal,” Moskalkova said.
She also reported that the Ukrainian authorities did not allow OSCE inspectors to access the Russian tanker Mekhanik Pogodin, blocked in the Kherson port
“Not allowing a foreign organization whose main goal is to protect human rights, in my opinion, is an unprecedented and gross violation of international law,” Moskalkova said.
According to her, the crew of the ship, being on the territory of Ukraine with Russian passports, faces problems.
“They do not leave the territory of the ship, which is considered the territory of the Russian Federation. They are afraid to leave it without guarantees,” Moskalkova said.
Help for Russian sailors in Ukrainian captivity has not yet been achieved, says the ombudsman.