VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Ukraine: Prisoners of War

Asked by Mr Richard HoldenConservativeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 21 May 2026UIN 2125

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking with international partners to secure International Committee of the Red Cross access to Ukrainian prisoners of war held in Russia, including access for the purposes of registration, welfare monitoring and communication with families.

Answered by Stephen Doughty

Russia must comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, in its treatment of prisoners of war. Under the Geneva Conventions, all parties must allow the International Committee of the Red Cross safe, unimpeded, and repeated access to prisoners of war wherever they are held, including for registration, monitoring of treatment and conditions, and enabling communication with families. We continue to raise these issues on a regular basis in international fora, and with our international partners.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim