Another 15 Ukrainians have returned from Russian-occupied territories
Another 15 Ukrainian citizens have returned from territories temporarily occupied by Russia. This was announced on September 19 by Dmytro Lubinets, the Verkhovna Rada’s Commissioner for Human Rights.
“This time, 15 citizens have returned to territory controlled by the Ukrainian government. The oldest is 96 years old, and the youngest is 49. MHP, an international company with Ukrainian roots, and its founder and CEO, Yuriy Kosyuk, played a key role in this process. I am sincerely grateful for their support, assistance, and compassion,” Lubinets said.
In particular, a 96-year-old woman, her daughter, and her son-in-law were returned from the temporarily occupied village of Zaliznyi Port in the Kherson region. The woman required constant assistance, and her son-in-law was using an Ilizarov frame to walk.
A 74-year-old man from Kakhovka was also returned; his son was being held captive by the Russians, so the father did not dare to leave for fear of endangering his son. It wasn’t until 2025, after his son’s release, that he decided to leave. By that time, however, his own health had deteriorated sharply. He is now under medical supervision, and he is receiving assistance in restoring his documents and stabilizing his condition.
“For some people, the return begins without documents—they were lost or have already expired. Under occupation, even a Ukrainian passport, which should simply be a document, can become a source of new difficulties,” the ombudsman stated.
Lubinec thanked the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Charitable Foundation “Caritas Ukraine,” representatives of government agencies, humanitarian organizations, medical professionals, social workers, and all specialists who are helping to repatriate Ukrainian citizens.
As a reminder, over the past 24 hours, Russian invaders suffered 1,520 casualties. Additionally, one tank, five armored combat vehicles, and 73 artillery systems were destroyed.
Occupied Donetsk and a significant portion of the region’s territory temporarily seized by Russian terrorists were left without power on September 18.
On the night of Saturday, September 19, the Russian terrorist army struck Pavlohrad. A fire has been reported.
