Lubinets reported that 11 Ukrainians with severe injuries and serious illnesses were returned from occupied territories

11 citizens were returned to territory under Ukraine’s control after being unable to leave the temporarily occupied areas on their own because of age, serious illnesses, or injuries. Among those evacuated was a 96-year-old woman and her son, who lost an eye as a result of a Russian strike.

This was reported by Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets.

According to the ombudsman, the oldest of the returned citizens is 96 years old and the youngest is 50. The evacuation was assisted by the MHP company and its founder and CEO, Yuriy Kosiuk.

The evacuation of the mother and son from the village of Tavriyske in occupied Kherson region was especially difficult. The man had been caring for the elderly woman, but in September he himself sustained severe injuries as a result of shelling by Russian occupiers. He lost an eye and was hospitalized.

After the injury the man required medical care, and his 96-year-old mother could not leave on her own because of her advanced age. On 15 October, both of them were able to be returned to territory under Ukraine’s control.

Also among the evacuated was a man who had remained in occupied Luhansk after his wife’s death in 2018. His relatives left earlier, but he for a long time did not dare to leave his own home.

During the years of occupation the man suffered three heart attacks and had problems with blood pressure and mobility. Because his health deteriorated, special transport was required for his evacuation. He has now been reunited with his relatives.

Lubinets urged Ukrainians whose relatives remain in the temporarily occupied territories and need help leaving to contact the Ombudsman’s Office. When applying, it is necessary to provide the person’s location, their health condition, and the circumstances that prevent evacuation.