Russia Demands Evaluation of Orphanage Conditions in Ukraine

The Russian Foreign Ministry has called on international organizations to assess the situation at the orphanage for disabled children in the village of Panshyn, Chernivtsi region of western Ukraine, and to investigate violations by Kyiv and hold those responsible accountable. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated, "We have sent appeals for an evaluation of the situation regarding the orphanage in Ukraine to UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk, the Secretary-General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Helga Schmid, and the Director of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Matteo Mickacchi, as well as to human rights organizations and are awaiting a clear response." Zakharova noted that "in early November, Ukrainian intelligence attempted to raid the 'Panshyn' monastery and the children’s shelter within it, and that the Security Service of Ukraine is pursuing those responsible for the monastery and the shelter."