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Amidst the escalating Ukraine-Russia conflict, the issue of captivity has taken a center stage with over 10,000 Russian soldiers captured, as reported by the 'I Want to Live' project. Ukraine has made significant strides, with 2,080 military personnel and 230 civilians returned from captivity in 2025 alone. However, disturbing reports of torture and the increasing number of foreign mercenaries add complexity to this humanitarian crisis. The Coordination Headquarters has emphasized the importance of prisoner exchanges and the urgent need for Russia to adhere to international laws regarding the treatment of prisoners of war.

How many Russian soldiers have been captured in the Ukraine conflict?

As of now, over 10,000 Russian soldiers have been reported captured during the full-scale war against Ukraine. This figure has been compiled by the 'I Want to Live' project, emphasizing a significant increase in prisoners of war due to ongoing hostilities.

What challenges do captives face in the Ukraine-Russia conflict?

The captives in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict face several challenges, including torture, lack of basic human rights, and inadequate exchanges. Reports have detailed harsh conditions and the refusal to engage in fair exchanges based on the "all for all" principle, further complicating the situation.

What initiatives are in place to address prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia?

Efforts to conduct prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia are ongoing, with the Coordination Headquarters reporting a record number of exchanges in 2025. The exchanges have facilitated the return of numerous military personnel and civilians, but challenges persist due to diplomatic tensions.

Are there any foreign nationals involved in the Ukraine-Russia captivity issues?

Yes, there is a notable presence of foreign nationals involved in the Ukraine-Russia captivity issues. There have been reports of foreign mercenaries and recruited soldiers among the captives, highlighting the international dimension of this conflict and the varied backgrounds of those captured.

What are the humanitarian concerns related to captivity in the Ukraine conflict?

The captivity situation in the Ukraine conflict raises significant humanitarian concerns, including reports of torture, inadequate care for prisoners, and the emotional and psychological impact on both military personnel and civilians. These concerns underscore the urgent need for international intervention and adherence to human rights conventions.

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News captivity

war Ukrainian defenders captured seven Russian invaders in Toretsk direction. VIDEO At the Toretsk direction in the Donetsk region, Ukrainian defenders replenished the exchange fund with 7 Russian invaders from the 132nd Horlivka motorised rifle brigade of the Russian Armed Forces. 4 584 17 Previously in trend: Situation at front

Ukraine held a new prisoner exchange with Russia on 26 June Ukraine and Russia carry out new POW swap: most defenders held captive since 2022. PHOTOS On June 26, a new group of Ukrainian prisoners of war was returned from Russian captivity. 6 713 13 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

war Our troops captured 2 Russians in Donetsk direction: "We dropped water and indicated route with grenades". VIDEO In the Donetsk direction, soldiers of the 113th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade captured two occupiers with the help of a drone. 4 112 5 Previously in trend: Situation at front

Fighters captured Russian millionaire fraudster Captured dollar millionaire from Novosibirsk. VIDEO Klimov Daniil Nikolaevich, 29.04.2004, a serviceman of the 74th Brigade of the RF Armed Forces, 1444th Regiment. A dollar millionaire, an "officer" from Novosibirsk. For 2.5 years, his call centre has been extorting money from Russians. 15 510 26 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

war 12 Russian soldiers surrendered after work of Ukrainian drone operator in Sumy region. VIDEO In Sumy region, 12 Russian soldiers voluntarily laid down their arms and surrendered to Ukrainian defenders. This happened after a Ukrainian operator delivered a precision strike with a drop of ammunition. 8 137 17 Previously in trend: Situation at front

Ukrainian Armed Forces capture Russian soldiers in Donetsk region National Guard troops captured group of Russian infantrymen in Pokrovsk direction. VIDEO In the Pokrovsk direction in Donetsk region, fighters of a special purpose reconnaissance company of the 14th operational brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine "Chervona Kalyna" captured at least five Russian servicemen. 9 392 9 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Withdrawal from Azovstal. Sviatoslav Palamar gave details We didn’t want to surrender from Azovstal, we only planned to evacuate wounded and dead, - "Azov" deputy commander Palamar The deputy commander of the "Azov" regiment, Sviatoslav Palamar, said that the Russians had given an ultimatum to the soldiers when they were leaving "Azovstal". 8 702 32 Previously in trend: Azov Brigade Mariupol defense

POW FPV drone crew commander of 414th Separate Brigade "Magyar Birds" captures occupier using UAV. VIDEO During a combat sortie, the crew commander of the FPV drone from the 414th separate brigade "Magyar Birds," call sign "Pain," captured a Russian occupier using the drone. 3 341 8

Journalist Khyliuk in captivity of the occupiers. What is known Ukrainian journalist Khyliuk is alive and in colony in Vladimir region of Russian Federation, - warrior released from captivity Russians are detaining journalist Dmytro Khyliuk in penal colony 7 in Pakino, Vladimir region of the Russian Federation. 4 141 3 Previously in trend: Ukrainians in Russian captivity

Oleksandr Strafun has returned from Russian captivity After three years in captivity: Mariupol defender Oleksandr Strafun returns to his homeland. PHOTO OF THE DAY A volunteer fighter and defender of Mariupol, Oleksandr Strafun, was released as part of the prisoner exchange. 9 757 20 Previously in trend: Rescuing soldiers from captivity

Russian surrenders After drone attack, "three hundredth" Russian read Ukrainian leaflet with offer to surrender and raised his hands up. VIDEO The occupier surrendered to Ukrainian soldiers after being wounded by a Ukrainian drone attack. 9 483 11 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

POW Chernyshov interview with Butusov Plus channel Battle for Tetkino: eight Russians surrendered. VIDEO Kursk buffer zone: Russian troops preserved their lives by surrendering. One of them – grenade launcher assistant and rifleman Vladislav Chernyshev. 7 004 30 Previously in trend: Combat operations in the Kursk region

Ukraine and Russia to exchange prisoners on June 9, 2025 Mariupol defenders who spent more than 3 years in captivity are among those liberated today - Coordination Center Today, June 9, 2025, the first stage of the prisoner exchange took place under the agreements in Istanbul. 3 812 6 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War. Russia is manipulating issue of repatriation of bodies of fallen Ukrainian defenders within framework of Istanbul agreements, - Coordination Centre Ukraine has denied the statements of a number of Russian media outlets about the alleged beginning of the return of the bodies of fallen soldiers in accordance with the agreements reached in Istanbul. 2 615 5 Previously in trend: repatriation of the bodies of fallen soldiers

Ukrainian Armed Forces capture Russians in Toretsk direction Ukrainian defenders captured another group of Russian occupiers in Toretsk direction. VIDEO Ukrainian troops captured another group of Russian occupants in the Toretsk direction. 5 605 6 Previously in trend: Situation in the Toretsk direction captured occupiers

Two foreign mercenaries of Russia surrendering to drone Two foreign mercenaries from Russian army raised their hands in front of Ukrainian drone and surrendered. VIDEO Two foreign mercenaries fighting for the Russian army surrendered on the Zaporizhzhia direction after raising their hands under the threat of a Ukrainian drone strike. 12 509 29 Previously in trend: foreign mercenaries in russian army

Ukrainian paratroopers captured Russian soldiers in Kursk Ukrainian paratroopers captured group of Russian soldiers in Kursk. VIDEO Paratroopers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, together with adjacent units, again captured a group of Russian servicemen in the Kursk sector. 11 738 30 Previously in trend: AFU captured occupiers in Kursk region

daughter of a Ukrainian released from captivity Father of girl who was recently returned from occupation was also freed from captivity. VIDEO The father of a girl who had recently been returned from the TOT was released from enemy captivity. 4 094 6 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

POW exchange on May 23 Ukraine brings home 270 service members and 120 civilian Ukrainians – Coordination Headquarters On May 23, the first day of the "1000-for-1000" prisoner exchange, 390 Ukrainians were freed from Russian captivity – 270 military personnel and 120 civilians. 9 076 21 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

SOF captured six occupiers. Video of operation SOF soldiers captured six occupiers behind enemy lines: "If you don’t get out you’re f#cked up, you’re surrounded". VIDEO During special operations behind enemy lines, the SOF soldiers forced six Russian soldiers to surrender. 14 720 34 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Woman learns for first time that her son is alive and in captivity Woman learns for first time that her son is alive and in Russian captivity: he asked to tell you not to worry. VIDEO The mother of a Ukrainian soldier found out that her son was alive and in captivity. 6 314 4 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Liberated soldier sings "Chervona Kalyna" In first minutes on his native soil, soldier of Armed Forces of Ukraine, freed from captivity, sings "Chervona Kalyna". VIDEO In his first moments on his native land, the Ukrainian Armed Forces serviceman who was freed from captivity sang "Chervona Kalyna". 5 312 16 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Togolese citizens captured by the Ukrainian Armed Forces: they were recruited by Russia Ukrainian forces capture Togolese citizens fighting for Russia – Togo’s Foreign Ministry says they were lured under false pretenses Ukrainian servicemembers have taken prisoner citizens of Togo, a West African country, who had been fighting on the side of the Russian army. Among them are young students allegedly lured by Moscow under false pretenses. 5 009 25 Previously in trend: foreign mercenaries in russian army Captured Russian mercenaries

SSU exposes four torturers of Armed Forces of Ukraine in Luhansk region Ukrainian prisoners tortured in Luhansk region: four Russian torturers exposed, - SSU. PHOTO The Security Service of Ukraine has served a notice of suspicion to four former employees of the penal colony in Sukhodilsk who, after the occupation of Luhansk region, collaborated with the enemy and participated in the torture of Ukrainian soldiers. 2 538 8 Previously in trend: Torture of POWs in Russian prisons

Victoria Roshchyna’s body shows signs of torture Russians tortured Ukrainian journalist Roshchyna, some organs removed to hide brutal traces of torture - Prosecutor General’s Office Numerous signs of torture and ill-treatment were found on the body of Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, who died in Russian captivity, including abrasions and hemorrhages on various parts of the body, and a broken rib. Experts also saw possible signs of electric shock. 7 289 32 Previously in trend: Death of Victoria Roshchyna

Russian surrenders to drone Occupier raises his hands up and surrenders to Ukrainian drone. VIDEO The occupier raised his hands up in the air and surrendered to the Ukrainian drone. 4 101 7 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Drone operators rescue soldiers from captivity Drone operators freed three Ukrainian soldiers from captivity. VIDEO The UAV crews of the 1st Separate Tank Siversk Brigade forced the enemy to flee and abandon our troops by delivering precise payload drops. The "UAVs" then guided the soldiers to safety. 11 132 21 Previously in trend: Rescuing soldiers from captivity

war One against six: National Guard soldier single-handedly captured group of Russian stormtroopers near Siversk. VIDEO Ukrainian reconnaissance man Denys Melnychuk (call sign "Mel") performed a real feat near Siversk. A warrior of the "Power of Freedom" battalion of the 4th "Rubizh" National Guard Brigade single-handedly attacked the enemy position and captured six Russian stormtroopers. 11 311 16 Previously in trend: Situation at front

How many people went missing during the Russian war More than 60 thousand people are missing in Ukraine - Dobroserdov Currently, more than 60,000 missing persons are wanted. About 10 thousand of them are in captivity. 1 578 0 Previously in trend: Missed in action during the war

Special Operations Forces captured three Russian soldiers SOF fighters carried out successful raid on enemy positions and captured three ruscists. VIDEO The soldiers of the 6th Ranger Regiment of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine conducted a successful raid on the positions of Russian troops in one of the operational areas and captured three occupants. 3 927 1 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Russian prisoner 16 years in high-security colony: for first time in Russia, military man is tried for voluntarily surrendering to Armed Forces of Ukraine In Russia, the state prosecution has requested 16 years in a maximum security colony for Russian serviceman Roman Ivanishin, who is accused of voluntary surrender to the Ukrainian Armed Forces for the first time in Russia. 13 565 32 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Case against occupier

The Special Operation Forces captured 14 Russians in the Kursk region SOF captured 14 Russian occupiers in Kursk region, including three officers. PHOTO In the Kursk region of the Russian Federation, units of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine captured 14 Russian invaders, including three officers. 8 282 28 Previously in trend: AFU captured occupiers in Kursk region captured occupiers

Photo exhibition in Brussels about journalists in captivity Photo exhibition dedicated to Ukrainian journalists held in Russian captivity opened in European Parliament. PHOTO The Imprisoned Freedom photo exhibition dedicated to Ukrainian journalists illegally held in Russian captivity was opened in Brussels. The opening took place in the European Parliament's information hub. 734 0 Previously in trend: Ukrainian journalists in Russian captivity

Captured Chinese soldier tells how he surrendered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces Times reported that one of Chinese fighting for Russia voluntarily surrendered to Ukrainian forces A Chinese soldier who signed a contract with the Russian army came to the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Donetsk region at night and surrendered himself. 5 013 10 Previously in trend: Captured Chinese nationals Participation of Chinese nationals in the war against Ukraine

Ukrainian Armed Forces captured two Chinese citizens in Donetsk region Fighters of 81st SAB capture two Chinese nationals in Donetsk region: brigade told details of operation Soldiers of the 81st Separate Airmobile Slobozhanska Brigade of the Air Assault Forces recently captured two citizens of the People’s Republic of China who were fighting on the side of the Russian army in the Donetsk region. 13 141 92 Previously in trend: Captured Chinese nationals

war SOF seized important enemy documentation and captured occupier. VIDEO The soldiers of the 4th Special Forces Regiment of the Special Operations Forces conducted a brilliant operation that resulted in the destruction of enemy manpower and clearing of a part of the settlement. The work was carried out in close cooperation with artillery and UAV operators. 8 876 4 Previously in trend: Situation at front

Azov fighters take 20 Russians prisoner in Toretsk direction - video Azov Brigade fighters captured 20 Russian occupiers in Toretsk direction. VIDEO Soldiers of the 12th Special Forces Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine "Azov" captured 20 Russian invaders in the Toretsk direction. 9 620 22 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

National Guard soldier Petrovskyi before and after Russian captivity 1037 days and minus 40 kilograms: National Guard soldier Petrovskyi before and after Russian captivity. PHOTO During his time in Russian captivity, National Guard soldier Ivan Petrovskyi lost 40 kilograms. 11 557 39 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

captured occupier National Guard captures five occupiers, one of them is "difficult soldier". VIDEO The National Guard captured five occupiers in one of the hottest areas. 20 794 13 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Putin wants the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk region to surrender Ukrainian Armed Forces units in Kursk region must "lay down their arms and surrender" – Putin. VIDEO Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has offered Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region to surrender, promising them 'guaranteed life and decent treatment'. 29 466 168 Previously in trend: UAF operation in the Kursk region Putin’s statements about Ukraine Putin’s demands regarding war in Ukraine

captured Soldiers of 5th SHMB captured two occupiers, seized Russian electronic warfare system and FPV drones. VIDEO The pilots of the 5th Separate Heavy Mechanised Brigade, having lost their drone in the grey zone, decided to return it. As a result, they returned with two captured occupiers, an enemy electronic warfare device "Kapyushon", three enemy Mavics and four enemy FPV drones. 7 346 9 Previously in trend: Situation at front Destruction of the occupiers

war Soldiers of 4th Battalion of Freedom Force of Rubizh National Guard captured two occupiers. VIDEO Soldiers of the 4th Battalion of the Freedom Force of the Rubizh National Guard captured two occupiers. The Russian servicemen chose life over senseless death and voluntarily surrendered to Ukrainian defenders. 3 364 9 Previously in trend: Situation at front

Repatriation of Ukrainian bodies: The Ministry of Internal Affairs told about identification Over past 4 months, Russia has handed over twice as many bodies as during full-scale war - Interior Ministry The register of missing persons already contains more than three thousand bodies that have not yet been identified. Over the past 4 months, Russia has handed over twice as many bodies to Ukraine as during the entire period of the full-scale invasion. 4 153 18 Previously in trend: repatriation of the bodies of fallen soldiers

prison, captivity of the Russian Federation 80% of repatriated bodies from Russian prisons show signs of torture – Interior Ministry 80% of bodies repatriated from Russian detention facilities and prisons show signs of torture. 3 163 14 Previously in trend: Torture of POWs in Russian prisons

captivity Soldiers of 5th SAB jump off vehicle and capture lone Russian standing in field. VIDEO Soldiers of the 5th Separate Assault Brigade of Kyiv captured a Russian invader in the middle of a field in the Kramatorsk direction. 12 702 25 Previously in trend: Situation at front

Wounded Russian soldiers surrendered after following instructions announced by drone. VIDEO Russian troops surrendered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces after receiving instructions from a drone. Upon hearing the audio commands, the occupiers laid down their weapons and surrendered to Ukrainian forces. Our soldiers not only ensured their safety but also provided medical assistance to the wounded. 5 898 10 Previously in trend: Situation at front

trump, zelenskyy Zelenskyy shows Trump photos of Ukrainian military before and after Russian captivity During a meeting at the White House, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy showed Donald Trump a photo of Ukrainian prisoners of war. 7 818 19 Previously in trend: Trump-Zelenskyy meeting

red cross provides condoms to russian prisoners of war Red Cross provides condoms to Russian POWs, while they complain about absence of Olivier salad on camp menu and lack of vitamins in medical unit. VIDEO Representatives of the international humanitarian movement Red Cross provide condoms to Russian POWs held in Ukrainian camps. 58 126 57 Previously in trend: Detention conditions of POWs