The National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War hosted a conference marking the third anniversary of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
The event was attended by the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak, Deputy Head of the Office of the President Iryna Vereshchuk, Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov, released prisoners of war, their family members, representatives of law enforcement agencies, international organizations, and civil society.
Panel discussions covered the ethics of reporting on captivity, the role of POWs' families in the international dialogue, and the rehabilitation and reintegration of those released. The event also included the opening of a photo exhibition, the presentation of an analytical report, and a special video screening.
In his speech, Andriy Yermak emphasized that the establishment of the Headquarters was an important institutional response of the state to the new challenges posed by mass cases of captivity of Ukrainian military personnel and civilians.
“It was a decision of the heart and responsibility. The decision of the state, which firmly stated: we are fighting for every Ukrainian. We do not abandon our people. These are not just rhetoric – it is a principle Ukraine steadfastly upholds amid the great war,” the Head of the Presidential Office noted.
Andriy Yermak particularly emphasized the importance of promoting the humanitarian track in international negotiations.
“During the talks in Jeddah, we clearly emphasized that the humanitarian dimension is no less important than the security dimension. The ‘all for all’ format is not just a diplomatic formula. It is a moral imperative for a world that wants to remain humane,” he stressed.
According to the Head of the Presidential Office, thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Headquarters and international support, Ukraine continues to bring its citizens home and consistently keeps this issue in the focus of the global agenda.