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Russia and Ukraine: Prisoners

Question for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

UIN HL8759, tabled on 26 June 2023

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to call for the immediate release by Russia and Ukraine of all medical personnel being held captive.

Answered on

10 July 2023

The UK consistently calls for Russia to comply fully with International Humanitarian Law, and the need to respect and protect medical personnel in all circumstances. Humanitarian organisations must be given full, safe and unhindered access to populations in need of assistance. No one should be punished for or prevented from providing essential medical treatment. In our public communications and statements we draw attention to Russia's actions in Ukraine, including arbitrary detentions of civilians. In March, the UK led a joint statement on behalf of 40 countries, which called on Russia to release everyone detained in contravention of international law.