Ombudsman harshly criticizes Red Cross Federation for protecting Russia's interests

Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets (photo: Getty Images)

The Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets criticized the International Federation of the Red Cross for justifying the illegal actions of the Russian Red Cross.

Lubinets focused on the fact that the IFRC has become an advocate for the Russian Red Cross, in particular, the federation "turns a blind eye to crimes." He criticized the IFRC for the activities of the Russian Red Cross in the temporarily occupied Crimea.

"The Russian Red Cross stole property of the National Red Cross Society of Ukraine in Crimea. Criminal proceedings have been opened over this fact, we demand condemnation of the actions of the Red Cross," Lubinets wrote.

According to Lubinets, the Russian Red Cross cooperated with the Artek camp in the temporarily occupied Crimea, and the director of the camp was sanctioned for his involvement in the deportation of Ukrainian children.

However, the federation's conclusions now say only that "the partnership of the RRC with the Artek camp requires a serious review."

"These words look pathetic: when there are facts, action is needed, not consideration of the situation from different sides," Lubinets said.

Return of Ukrainian children from illegal deportation

Russian occupation forces continue to abduct Ukrainian children and take them to the territory of Russia.

Ukraine has handed over to Qatar a list with the names of 561 children who were illegally deported to Russia by the occupiers.

The International Criminal Court in The Hague has issued an arrest warrant for dictator Vladimir Putin and Russian Children's Ombudsman Maria Lvova-Belova for the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children.