Lubinets explained why he travelled to Oleshky in person

Lubinets explained why he travelled to Oleshky in person. Photo: Dmytro Lubinets’ Facebook page

Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliament’s Commissioner for Human Rights, is continuing his journey to Oleshky as part of a humanitarian mission. Amid rumours of his presence in Russia, he urged people to trust official sources and not to draw conclusions from unverified reports.

Dmytro Lubinets announced this in a post on social media.

According to him, he is personally travelling to Oleshky to assess the situation on the ground and provide updates on the progress of the humanitarian mission. At the same time, reports are circulating on social media claiming he is allegedly in Russia.

«Please trust official sources and do not draw conclusions from unverified reports,» wrote the ombudsman.

Dmytro Lubinets noted that the trip had been preceded by complex and lengthy negotiations. As the mission is not yet complete, he asked people to wait until his return before asking any questions.

The Ombudsman also thanked US citizens who helped organise the mission, as well as Ukrainians who held demonstrations abroad and helped draw attention to the situation in Oleshky.

Explaining why he had decided to go in person, Dmytro Lubinets emphasised the importance of direct involvement in rescuing people.

«And even if I had to go for the sake of just one person — I would go again,» he said.

The Ombudsman added that he considers it his duty to help Ukrainians in need.

«I believe this is my duty as Ombudsman. When there are people — our people — who need help, we must help and rescue them. Full stop,» concluded Dmytro Lubinets.

It should be noted that the ceasefire in the occupied town of Oleshky in the Kherson region has now lasted for over 50 hours. Ukraine is preparing a humanitarian convoy, which is due to be delivered to the town once the routes have been cleared of mines.

A humanitarian mission has begun in Oleshky

Oleshky, on the left bank of the Kherson region, has been under Russian occupation since the start of the full-scale invasion. Due to the fighting and damage to infrastructure, local residents have limited access to food, drinking water and medicines. According to Ukrainian estimates, around two thousand people remain in the town.

On 23 October, Ukraine and Russia, with the mediation of US First Lady Melania Trump, agreed on a humanitarian mission to Oleshky. It provides for a ceasefire, the delivery of humanitarian aid and the opportunity for civilians to leave.

The mission began on 27 October. On the Ukrainian side, it is being coordinated by Dmytro Lubinets, the Verkhovna Rada’s Commissioner for Human Rights. According to him, demining of the roads leading to Oleshky is currently underway and may take around two days. After that, the plan is to deliver drinking water, food, medicines and equipment for the local hospital.

At the same time, according to Dmytro Lubinets, some residents wish to remain in Oleshky. The issue of delivering humanitarian aid to these people is being dealt with separately.