In August and September 2026, 41 Ukrainian citizens returned from temporarily occupied territories through the Mokrany–Domanove checkpoint in Volyn. Among them were four children and five teenagers.
The information was reported by Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets.
The return was facilitated by the Ombudsman’s Office and partner organizations.
According to Lubinets, one family was able to leave after the father was released from captivity. At the same time, their eldest son has remained in captivity since April 17, 2022.
The woman and her younger son, according to their account, had been under constant control by occupation medical and law enforcement services. Earlier, under the pretext of providing medical care, they were placed in a detention facility, where they were held and treated against their will.
Among those who returned was also a young medical worker who was evacuated shortly before she was effectively due to be mobilized into Russian armed formations.
Another man who had been living in the temporarily occupied territory was detained several times and held in basements. His Ukrainian passport was also confiscated.
After their return, people receive assistance with restoring documents, financial and psychological support, temporary accommodation, social assistance, as well as help with tickets and onward travel.
According to the Ombudsman, a total of 1,140 people received assistance in August and September under a joint project with Caritas Ukraine, including citizens evacuated from occupied territories.
Lubinets also drew attention to the difficult situation in Oleshky and surrounding settlements in the Kherson region. According to him, elderly people, people with disabilities, those who are ill, and families remain there with limited access to food, water, medicine, medical care and communications.
The Ombudsman’s Office said it receives requests every day from people who want to leave the occupied territories. Routes are being sought, state and international partners are being involved, and departures are being organized through third countries.
