REUTERS

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that Ukrainian consuls in Moscow have already visited seven Ukrainian sailors in the “Matrosskaya Tishina” and “Lefortovo” detention centers.

"We are taking systemic measures to protect the rights of Ukrainian sailors who are prisoners of war, illegally held in the Russian Federation. Thanks to the coordinated, persistent actions of our consuls, diplomats have gained access to the prisoners of war," Serhiy Pohoreltsev, Director of the Consular Service Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, told UNIAN.

"Yesterday, the consul visited three injured sailors in Matrosskaya Tishina. Today, he visited four sailors in Lefortovo. The guys are brave. The dates for visits to sailors held in Lefortovo have been determined, including on the 10th, six people will be visited, and on the 11th – another six people, and on the 12th – five people," the diplomat said.

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At the same time, he clarified that the injuries of the three military are "not life-threatening."

"The issue of their legal defense has been resolved. The state will pay for the relevant services of lawyers to protect the rights of sailors who are prisoners of war. All involved ministries and agencies of Ukraine are taking comprehensive measures, actively working to get our prisoners of war back home as soon as possible," he said.

According to Pohoreltsev, an important component is a consolidated international position and support for the calls for the release of Ukrainian sailors by Russia.