Ukraine brings back 15 people from Russian occupation, including 96-year-old woman

What Happened

Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets announced on Facebook that 15 Ukrainians were brought back from Russian-occupied territory. Among them was a 96-year-old woman from Zaliznyi Port, Kherson Oblast, who left with her daughter and son-in-law; Lubinets said the family had been living amid attacks, power outages and food shortages, and the son-in-law's use of an Ilizarov apparatus on his lower limb made independent departure impossible. Another returnee was a 74-year-old man from Kakhovka who had stayed under occupation for years because he feared leaving could harm his son, who was being held captive by Russia; after the son was released in 2025, the father decided to leave for Ukrainian-controlled territory. Lubinets said the man had suffered a severe stroke that left him partially paralysed and developed inflammation of the submandibular gland, and is now receiving medical treatment and help restoring expired or lost documents.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The return underscores the ongoing humanitarian consequences of Russia's occupation of Ukrainian territory, including family separation, document loss, medical neglect, and harsh living conditions. Lubinets' office has previously facilitated the return of 32 Ukrainian children and teenagers, including a six-year-old boy who suffered psychological trauma after witnessing a drone strike near a playground, indicating a continuing effort to repatriate vulnerable civilians from occupied areas.

Watch For

Monitor Dmytro Lubinets' official statements for further announced return groups and specific numbers, whether additional civilians are brought from Kherson Oblast or other occupied regions, and updates on medical care, document reinstatement, and family reunification for the 15 returnees. Independent verification of conditions in Zaliznyi Port, Kakhovka, or any related release of captives may follow.