Forty-One Individuals, Including Children and Teens, Return from Occupied Territories via Mokrany–Domanove Checkpoint

Return of Citizens from Temporarily Occupied Areas

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: Between August and September 2026, 41 people crossed back into Ukraine through the Mokrany–Domanove checkpoint in Volyn, having come from temporarily occupied territories. Among those returning were four children and five teenagers. Their safe return was facilitated by the Ombudsman’s Office together with partner organizations providing essential support to evacuees.

One returning family includes a woman and her younger son who had been under the control of occupation medical and law enforcement authorities. They were held in detention and subjected to forced medical treatment. The family’s elder son has been held captive for over four years. Another returnee is a young medical professional who was taken away just before the forced mobilization into the armed forces of the occupying state. Additionally, a man who had been detained multiple times, confined in basements, and stripped of his Ukrainian passport also made it back.

The Ombudsman’s Office, in cooperation with the International Charitable Foundation 'Caritas Ukraine,' is assisting returnees in restoring their documents, accessing financial aid, and securing temporary housing. In total, 1,140 people received support under this project throughout August and September. Dmitro Lubinets emphasized,

“No one should face the consequences of their experiences alone.”

Critical Conditions in Oleshky and Ombudsman Office Support

The situation remains dire in Oleshky and nearby settlements in the Kherson region. Elderly individuals, people with disabilities, the ill, and families struggle with limited access to food, water, medication, and healthcare. The Ombudsman’s Office receives daily requests from those seeking to leave occupied areas and actively coordinates evacuation routes with national and international partners. Dmitro Lubinets noted:

“Every day, the Ombudsman’s Office processes appeals from people wishing to escape occupation. We carefully review each case, identify evacuation pathways, and engage state and global partners.”

The Mokrany–Domanove checkpoint remains a vital corridor for movement from occupied zones back to Ukrainian-controlled territory. To address the humanitarian challenges in Oleshky, Ukraine urgently raised this issue at the OSCE Permanent Council meeting held on October 1, 2026.

Contact Information for the Ombudsman’s Office of Ukraine

• Hotline: 1678;
• From abroad: +38 (044) 299 74 08;
• From temporarily occupied territories: +38 093 406 80 17 (WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram);
• Email: [email protected].

This update highlights the crucial humanitarian support needed for those returning from occupied areas, emphasizing the importance of restoring their rights and social standing. The ongoing crisis in regions affected by occupation demands immediate and coordinated action from both the Ukrainian government and international organizations to ensure the safety and well-being of the population.

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Oleshky highlights the urgent need for support as over 6,000 individuals are currently facing severe shortages of essential resources such as food, water, and medical supplies. This situation underscores the importance of coordinated efforts to assist those stranded in occupied territories. For a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by these communities, read more about the critical conditions in Oleshky and the ongoing efforts to provide relief here.