Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets has said that his role requires him to keep his emotions in check to ensure productive negotiations with his Russian counterpart, Yana Lantratova. Their discussions included a possible humanitarian mission covering six settlements in Kherson Oblast.
Source: Lubinets at a press conference on 2 November
Details: Lubinets was asked about his diplomatic attitude towards Lantratova.
Quote: "I don't know of any other way to bring back our citizens than through direct negotiations with the Russian side. In my view, if you show diplomatic etiquette, you automatically stand a better chance of a positive outcome.
The first meeting I held with Lantratova was five days after her appointment. I raised the issue of Oleshky right then...
When you see results, when your Russian counterpart calls you Dmytro Valeriiovych [a respectful patronymic form of address – ed.], I see no problem whatsoever in calling her Yana Valeriivna."
Details: Lubinets stressed that he is doing this for Ukrainian citizens, even though he personally shares the feelings towards Russia held by most Ukrainians.
He said that allowing his emotions to influence his work would undermine the outcome of the negotiations.
He also said that Russian occupation forces had not subjected civilians to filtration procedures during the humanitarian mission in Oleshky.
Lubinets said he and Lantratova had also discussed possible humanitarian missions in the Oleshky hromada.
He expressed hope that the two sides would be able to extend this approach to other areas in the future.
Lubinets added that he and Lantratova have developed joint proposals and initiatives on humanitarian issues.
Read also: Everyone's afraid, but they're pressing on: how the local ceasefire in Oleshky became a test for a broader deal
Background: Lubinets has said that he has agreed with Lantratova to ask the US First Lady to expand the practice of the humanitarian mission from Oleshky to other settlements with a difficult situation. Melania Trump said that nearly 800 people had been evacuated during a humanitarian mission carried out during the ceasefire in Oleshky, Kherson Oblast.
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