Ukraine calls on the entire civilized world not to allow the kangaroo court over Ukrainian defenders of Mariupol announced by the russian occupiers and demands that the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross urgently send its representatives to the places where Ukrainian prisoners of war are held, first and foremost, Olenivka, the security and defence forces have said in a joint statement.
It is noted that all state institutions are working to ensure the return of Mariupol defenders and all Ukrainians who are held captive by the russians.
"The Coordinating Staff for the Treatment of Prisoners of War continues to work 24/7 for the release of Ukrainian defenders from captivity, tracing those missing in special circumstances. At the same time, we are in contact with the families of captive servicemen and fulfil obligations concerning their social protection," the statement reads.
At the same time, the Defence Ministry noted that russia does not honour its commitments, neglects the agreements, does not recognize international norms and rules of warfare. Given this, the issue of prisoner exchange is complicated and sensitive.
"For its part, Ukraine is constantly intensifying public communication with our partners, appealing to international organizations and world leaders, drawing the world's attention to what the enemy is doing to Ukrainian military personnel held captive," the statement reads.
The Defence Ministry also noted that the operation to rescue 2,500 Mariupol defenders was the only possible option to keep them alive.
"There was no alternative like extraction, there was a choice: a rescue operation or death at Azovstal first of all of the seriously wounded, because they were running out of necessary medications. We managed to rescue the most heavily wounded ones among the first during an exchange in June: 144 people, including 95 Mariupol defenders, have been taken home. As of now, they have received the necessary medical care and rehabilitation," the Defence Ministry said.
On 28 July, russians blew up a penal colony in Olenivka, Donetsk Region, to cover up the torture of Ukrainian prisoners. At least 40 people were killed in the attack. Ukraine is working to recover the bodies.
Intelligence and law-enforcement sources said that the occupiers had deliberately staged an attack in Olenivka to prevent an exchange of prisoners of war. The Ukrainian special services have satellite images showing that the graves near the penal colony had been dug in advance.
Around 1,000 Ukrainian POWs have been held on the premises of a former colony in Olenivka since May. Negotiations on the return of POWs from Azovstal are being handled by the Main Intelligence Directorate.
After the terrorist attack in Olenivka, the Azov regiment, which heroically defended Mariupol, called on the civilized world to recognize the Russian Federation as a terrorist state.
Donetsk separatists were reported to have installed cages in Mariupol's Philharmonic Hall for the "trial" of Ukrainian POWs.