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The ongoing war in Ukraine has been marked by numerous prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia, emphasizing the complex nature of the conflict and the plight of prisoners of war (POWs). The return of 20 Azov fighters from Russian captivity highlights the significant efforts made by both nations to negotiate POW exchanges. However, reports of torture, as in the case of Mariupol defender Oleksandr Krokhmaliuk, shed light on the human rights violations occurring within these detentions. Documented cases reveal that over 300 Ukrainian POWs have been executed, showcasing a grim reality amidst negotiations. International attention is focused on these exchanges and violations, urging humane treatment of all POWs.
What is the current status of POW exchanges between Ukraine and Russia?
Ukraine and Russia have conducted several prisoner exchanges, with the latest involving the release of 20 Azov fighters. These exchanges are part of ongoing negotiations aimed at freeing captives from both sides. Despite these efforts, reports of torture and execution of Ukrainian POWs indicate a challenging humanitarian situation.
How many Ukrainian POWs have been released through exchanges recently?
Recently, a substantial number of Ukrainian POWs have been released, including the return of over 200 personnel during various stages of negotiations with Russia. The ongoing exchanges seek to bring back soldiers, while highlighting the issue of their treatment in captivity.
What are the documented violations against Ukrainian POWs in Russian captivity?
Documented violations against Ukrainian POWs include cases of torture, executions, and other severe breaches of human rights. Reports indicate over 300 POWs were unlawfully executed, underscoring the harsh conditions they endure and the critical need for international intervention.
What efforts are being made to ensure humane treatment of all POWs in the conflict?
Efforts to ensure humane treatment of POWs include international advocacy for the adherence to human rights laws, pressure on involved parties to abide by the Geneva Conventions, and calls for inspections by entities like the Red Cross to monitor conditions and facilitate fair treatment.
Have any high-profile incidents highlighted the plight of Ukrainian POWs?
Yes, high-profile incidents, such as the torture of Azov fighter Oleksandr Krokhmaliuk and the execution of numerous Ukrainian POWs, have significantly highlighted the dire situations faced. These incidents spur global attention and demand for greater humanitarian oversight.
What are the international responses to the treatment of POWs in this conflict?
International responses include condemning human rights abuses, pressuring Russia and Ukraine to adhere to international law concerning POW treatment, and supporting humanitarian agencies' efforts to access and assist those held in captivity. The global community is advocating for transparent and humane resolutions.
Photo news POWs
76th prisoner exchange: among those released are 115 defenders of Mariupol, Coordination Headquarters says. PHOTOS As part of today’s 76th combined prisoner exchange, 115 defenders of Mariupol returned from Russian captivity. 2 129 3 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine and Russia have carried out prisoner exchange: 160 defenders have returned home. VIDEO&PHOTOS Ukraine and Russia have carried out another exchange of prisoners of war. 160 Ukrainian defenders have been released. 5 072 27 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine and Russia have carried out prisoner exchange: 185 Ukrainian defenders have been returned to their homeland. PHOTOS 185 Ukrainian defenders have been freed from Russian captivity as part of a prisoner exchange. 4 964 19 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine and Russia have carried out first stage of 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange: 205 defenders have been freed. VIDEO&PHOTOS Ukraine and Russia have carried out another prisoner exchange. 8 486 29 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Most prisoners returned today were illegally held in Chechnya – Coordination Headquarters. PHOTOS Today, the 73rd prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia took place. It became a continuation of the Easter exchange and the implementation of the relevant agreements. 3 690 3 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine and Russia carry out prisoner exchange: 193 defenders released. VIDEO&PHOTOS. VIDEO&PHOTOS Ukraine and Russia have carried out another prisoner exchange. 5 689 6 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Coordination Headquarters on exchange: most of those freed are defenders of Mariupol. Twenty-five officers whom the Russian Federation had refused to hand over have been returned. PHOTOS Today, on the eve of the joyous Easter holiday, the 72nd prisoner exchange took place. As a result of the negotiation process, 175 Ukrainian servicemen and 7 civilians have been returned from Russian captivity. 4 817 10 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Prisoner exchange takes place: 175 military personnel and seven civilians freed, — Zelenskyy. PHOTOS Today, 11 April 2026, a prisoner exchange took place between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. 175 servicemen were released from enemy captivity. 6 564 14 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine and Russia exchanged prisoners: 300 defenders and 2 civilians were freed. VIDEO&PHOTOS. VIDEO&PHOTOS Ukraine and Russia have completed the second stage of prisoner exchange. Three hundred Ukrainian defenders and two civilians have returned to their homeland. 5 145 12 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
200 Ukrainian soldiers freed from Russian captivity. VIDEO&PHOTOS Ukraine and Russia have exchanged prisoners of war, with 200 Ukrainian defenders being returned. 7 726 13 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Defender Nazar Daletskyi returns from captivity after being presumed dead for over three years. VIDEO&PHOTOS. VIDEO&PHOTOS During today’s prisoner exchange, defender Nazar Daletskyi returned to Ukraine. He had been presumed dead since September 2022. 10 095 5 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
157 defenders and civilians returned from Russian captivity as part of exchange. VIDEO&PHOTOS. VIDEO&PHOTOS As part of the prisoner exchange, Ukraine returned 157 soldiers and civilians. Most of them had been in captivity since 2022. 6 794 14 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Occupiers shot two captured Ukrainian soldiers in the village of Shakhove in Donetsk region: investigation launched. PHOTO An investigation has been launched into the shooting of captured Ukrainian defenders by representatives of the Russian Armed Forces in the Pokrovsk district. 6 907 68 Previously in trend: Execution of Ukrainian POWs
In Vovchansk direction, border guards from "Forpost" captured citizen of Kazakhstan. PHOTO Ukrainian border guards of the Forpost brigade in the Vovchansk direction captured a Russian soldier who turned out to be a citizen of Kazakhstan. 3 362 7 Previously in trend: Captured Russian mercenaries
Ukraine and Russia carry out prisoner swap: 185 defenders freed. VIDEO+PHOTOS On October 2, Ukraine brought back another group of prisoners of war from Russian captivity. 6 552 13 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Fraudsters who had defrauded soldiers released from captivity and stolen about million hryvnias exposed. VIDEO&PHOTOS. VIDEO&PHOTOS Police officers exposed a criminal organisation that fraudulently seized the funds of servicemen released from Russian captivity. 7 030 30
Ukraine and Russia exchanged prisoners: 84 people, including military personnel and civilians, freed. VIDEO&PHOTOS. VIDEO&PHOTOS Ukraine and Russia conducted another prisoner exchange. They managed to free 84 people, both military and civilians, from Russian captivity. 4 597 6 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Zelenskyy discussed with Umerov and Yermak preparation of new meeting in Istanbul: There is agreement on exchange of 1,200 prisoners. PHOTO Today, 3 August 2025, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the negotiation track with NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov and Head of the Office Andriy Yermak, including the implementation of the agreements of the meetings with the Russian side in Istanbul and the preparation of a new... 3 032 38
"Doctor Evil": Doctor who tortured Ukrainian POWs in Mordovia colony identified – media. PHOTO Journalists have identified the doctor at the most secure Penal Colony No. 10 in Mordovia (Russia) who humiliated, tortured, and denied proper medical care to Ukrainian prisoners of war. The captives nicknamed him among themselves "Doctor Evil." 20 266 52 Previously in trend: Torture of POWs in Russian prisons War crimes of Russia
Four prisoners of war escaped from convoy in Kramatorsk, - Andriushchenko. PHOTO Russian prisoners of war escaped from a convoy in Kramatorsk, Donetsk region. They have been put on the wanted list. 10 170 37 Previously in trend: Escape of russian pows
Ukraine and Russia have exchanged prisoners. Military personnel and civilians are returning, - Zelenskyy. VIDEO+PHOTOS Ukraine and Russia have exchanged prisoners of war. 6 554 47 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
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. 6 819 13 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
PACE called on Russian Federation to continue prisoner exchanges in "all for all" format. PHOTO The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe calls on the international community to support negotiations between Ukraine and Russia on the speedy exchange and release of all prisoners of war. 814 3 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
All defenders released as part of today’s exchange have injuries or severe medical diagnoses, - Coordination Headquarters. VIDEO+PHOTOS Today, on 20 June, another stage of a prisoner exchange in the category of "severely wounded and seriously ill" took place. In accordance with the agreements reached in Istanbul, another group of defenders with serious injuries and significant health problems were returned from Russian captivity. 3 212 1 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine and Russia have carried out prisoner exchange. AFU soldiers, National Guard and SBGS were freed. PHOTOS For the second day in a row, Ukraine and Russia have carried out an exchange of prisoners of war. 4 980 10 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Severely ill defenders returned from Russian captivity in latest exchange – Coordination Headquarters. VIDEO&PHOTOS. VIDEO&PHOTOS Today, 19 June, another stage of the major prisoner exchange in the "seriously ill and wounded" category took place in accordance with the agreements reached in Istanbul. 3 714 5 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine and Russia have carried out another prisoner exchange: most of defenders had been in captivity since 2022. VIDEO&PHOTOS. VIDEO&PHOTOS Ukraine and Russia conducted another exchange of prisoners of war. 8 949 21 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
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. 10 173 20 Previously in trend: Rescuing soldiers from captivity
Fourth prisoner exchange in week takes place - Zelenskyy. PHOTOS Today, 14 June 2025, another prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia took place. 6 429 7 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine and Russia have carried out another exchange of seriously wounded and seriously ill soldiers. VIDEO&PHOTOS. VIDEO&PHOTOS President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine and Russia have conducted another exchange of prisoners of war. 5 335 11 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine brings back seriously wounded and injured defenders from Russian captivity. PHOTOS On 10 June, the second group of prisoners of war returned to Ukraine. Severely wounded and seriously ill Ukrainian defenders returned home from Russian captivity. 8 349 19 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Russians branded words "Glory to Russia" into body of captured Ukrainian soldier. PHOTO OF THE DAY After the exchange, the Ukrainian defender showed the horrific consequences of being in Russian captivity. 19 210 68 Previously in trend: War crimes of Russia
Ukraine and Russia have begun POWs’ exchange. It will continue in coming days, - Zelenskyy. VIDEO&PHOTOS Ukraine has started the exchange of POWs with Russia. It will continue in several stages in the coming days. 7 473 20 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Coordination Headquarters explained release of traitor Taranenko from captivity: Ukraine did not influence Russian lists, law enforcement agencies will deal with him. PHOTO As part of the "1000-for-1000" prisoner exchange, Anatolii Taranenko, a Ukrainian soldier who in 2021 probably defected to Russia, was released from enemy captivity. 10 705 36 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Third stage of "1000 for 1000" exchange: Ukraine returns 303 defenders from Russian captivity. PHOTOS Today, 25 May 2025, the third stage of the 1000-for-1000 prisoner exchange took place. Ukraine returned another 303 servicemen from Russian captivity. 6 275 37 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Second stage of "1000 for 1000" exchange: Ukraine returns 307 defenders. PHOTOS On 24 May, another 307 Ukrainian servicemen returned to Ukraine from Russian captivity. This is the second stage of the 1000-for-1000 exchange. 7 140 13 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
First day of major POW exchange: 390 Ukrainians return from Russian captivity. PHOTOS On May 23, 390 Ukrainians returned home from Russian captivity. This marks the first phase of the prisoner exchange under the "1000-for-1000" format. 11 032 53 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Zelenskyy holds meeting on preparations for "1000-for-1000" prisoner swap. PHOTOS President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting on preparations for the exchange of prisoners of war. 1 239 7 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Forty servicemen of Ministry of Internal Affairs were released from Russian captivity – Klymenko. PHOTOS On 6 May, another POW exchange took place between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. Among those released from captivity were 40 servicemen of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. 2 425 1 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine brings back 205 soldiers from Russian captivity (updated). VIDEO&PHOTOS On May 6, 2025, another POW exchange between Ukraine and the Russian Federation took place. 13 192 20 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine returns 277 soldiers from Russian captivity. VIDEO+PHOTOS Today, on 19 April, Ukraine returned another 277 defenders from Russian captivity. 12 798 25 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
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. 8 403 28 Previously in trend: AFU captured occupiers in Kursk region captured occupiers
He was wandering around Sumy region for day and half: border guards capture 61-year-old occupier. VIDEO+PHOTOS Soldiers of the Izmail border guard detachment captured a 61-year-old contractor occupier in the Sumy direction. 4 081 5 Previously in trend: captured occupiers
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. 11 761 39 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Six Azov Brigade soldiers returned from Russian captivity as part of today’s swap. PHOTOS As part of the POW swap that took place on Wednesday, 19 March, six soldiers of the 12th Special Forces Brigade of the Azov National Guard were released from Russian captivity. 7 815 13 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap Azov fighters returned from Russian captivity
Ukraine brings back 175 POWs and 22 severely wounded defenders. VIDEO&PHOTOS Ukraine brought back 175 POWs from Russian captivity, as well as 22 severely wounded defenders. 13 979 22 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine returns 150 soldiers from Russian captivity (updated). PHOTOS Ukraine returned 150 defenders from Russian captivity. 13 834 29 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine returns 25 military and civilians from Russian captivity, - Zelenskyy. PHOTOS Ukraine returns 25 military and civilians from Russian captivity 6 376 8 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap War
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