Ukraine continues its relentless efforts to bring its prisoners of war (POWs) back home. In recent updates, several prisoner exchanges have been successfully executed, with many Ukrainian soldiers being repatriated. Kyrylo Budanov, head of the President's Office, announced an upcoming major exchange. Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters regularly publishes statistics and outcomes of these exchanges, highlighting the return of numerous wounded and ill service members. Reports have also emerged about severe mistreatment and execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war by the Russian forces, raising international concern. The commitment to securing the release of Ukrainian POWs remains steadfast, with ongoing negotiations anticipated to yield further successful exchanges.
What is the current status of Ukrainian POW exchanges?
Ukrainian and Russian authorities have been actively engaged in prisoner of war exchanges, with several successful operations recently reported. Key initiatives by Ukraine have resulted in the return of a significant number of its servicemen from Russian captivity, despite reports of severe mistreatment. Efforts are ongoing to secure the release of remaining POWs.
How have POWs been treated during captivity?
Reports indicate that Ukrainian POWs have faced harsh conditions during their captivity in Russia, including instances of torture and execution. International bodies, including the UN, have documented cases of ill-treatment, urging for human rights to be upheld in accordance with international law.
Who oversees the prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia?
The Coordination Headquarters in Ukraine plays a key role in managing prisoner exchanges with Russia. This body compiles statistics, coordinates negotiations, and ensures that returned service members receive the appropriate care and attention upon their release from captivity.
Are there upcoming prisoner exchanges planned?
Yes, ongoing talks between Ukrainian and Russian officials suggest that additional prisoner exchanges are planned for the near future. These negotiations continue to aim for the release of as many Ukrainian defenders as possible, with strategic coordination efforts made by high-profile officials like Kyrylo Budanov.
What challenges are faced in conducting POW exchanges?
Organizing and executing prisoner exchanges involves complex negotiations often hindered by political tensions. The process can be delayed due to non-compliance or disruptions by either side, making it a challenging diplomatic endeavor to ensure the safe return of POWs.
TOP news POWs
"A moment later they were shot" - Russian militants kill Ukrainian prisoners. VIDEO International human rights organizations have found new evidence that Russian fighters in the Donbas torture and execute captured Ukrainian soldiers. 595 730 1 151 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine
Captive soldier of 28th Brigade horribly tortured by Russian mercenaries A volunteer told about terrible tortures of a Ukrainian soldier captured by 'DPR' separatists. 332 358 1 600 Previously in trend: Volunteers for the Army
Defense Ministry confirms Ukrainian servicemen taken prisoner at Donetsk airport The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine confirmed reports that a group of Ukrainian soldiers was captured on Tuesday. 216 804 861
You Should Forget about News Broadcasted in Russia - Russian POW Paratrooper Yegor Pochtoev, one of the Russian paratroopers detained earlier in Ukraine, directly accused Russian media of lying. 170 735 198 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine
Azov Regiment captured group of Russian occupiers. VIDEO Soldiers of the Azov Regiment captured a group of Russian occupiers near Kharkiv. 160 739 230 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine War
Terrorists Captured 3 Ukrainian Officers They Invited to Negotiate The terrorists captured 3 Ukrainian officers who were invited to negotiate the release of prisoners of war. 119 328 402
“DPR” militants say Ukraine’s MP Savchenko, negotiator Ruban come to occupied territories "to visit Ukrainian POWs" The militants of the so-called "Donetsk People’s Republic" aka “DPR” say head of the Ukrainian center for liberation of prisoners Volodymyr Ruban and independent member of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Nadiia Savchenko arrived at the occupied part of the Donetsk region. 117 651 272
Savchecnko’s Court Hearing is Conducted through Video Conferencing and with the Help of an Interpreter Ukrainian military aviator Nadiia Savchenko during the session of the Voronezh regional court is addressing the judge in Ukrainian with the trial taking place through an interpreter. 113 124 210 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine
Ukrainian soldier Shchehlov told about terrorists' captivity: "Beating and month without food". VIDEO On May 23, Aidar soldier Serhii Shchehlov was freed from terrorists' captivity. He told reporters how the militants tormented him and how he survived. 112 422 271 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine
"I've survived by miracle. My comrades were killed on the spot," - released Ukrainian soldiers speak about tortures in terrorists’ captivity. VIDEO Ukrainian servicemen liberated yesterday told about their expectations from freedom and the conditions in the militants’ captivity. 98 543 40
171 Ukrainian Soldiers and 140 Border Guards Are in Russia Now Today in Russia there are 171 soldiers of the Ukrainian army and 140 border guards (total of 311) who were forced to move into the territory of the Russian Federation near the Gukovo border crossing point. 90 235 852 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine
Bellingcat investigators identified Russian occupant who castrated Ukrainian prisoner of war. PHOTO The investigators of the Bellingcat group and The Insider stated that they were able to identify the Russian occupant, who in the video tortures and castrates a man in military uniform. They say that the war criminal is a Tuvan man Ochur-Suge Mongush, born in 1993. 88 023 191 Previously in trend: War
The state will fight for every faithful son, – Poroshenko welcomed released Ukrainian POWs. PHOTOS The President of Ukraine welcomed the plane with 145 Ukrainian military, who were released from captivity, at the military Vasylkivskyi airfieled last night. 84 720 487
"Azovstal" defender Oleh Mudrak after 100 days in captivity of Russian occupiers. PHOTOS "Azovstal" defender Oleh Mudrak after 100 days in captivity of Russian occupiers 78 902 157 Previously in trend: War
Relatives identified bodies of soldiers Ivan Zhytnyk, Andriy Dubnytsky and Hryhoriy Pavlov. They were wounded by occupiers at Zenit position in Avdiivka.. PHOTO Investigative journalists from Slidstvo.info spoke to the mother, wife and sister of three Ukrainian defenders who were left wounded at the Zenit position in Avdiivka. 78 573 369 Previously in trend: War
Terrorists Are Going to Lead Captured Ukrainian Soldiers Through Donetsk on Independence Day of Ukraine Militants drew up damaged military equipment on Donetsk central square and intent to lead captured Ukrainian soldiers tomorrow, on Independence Day. 72 052 392 Previously in trend: Battle for Donetsk
Agreement reached for ‘cyborgs’ not to be tortured. Senior officers may be taken to Russia The number of "cyborgs" captured by the terrorists is over 20. An agreement was reached with the leaders of the militants that they will not be tortured. 68 479 302 Previously in trend: Fighting for the Donetsk airport
During Exchange of Prisoners of War, Russian Сitizens Are Afraid to Return to Militants - Head of ATO Negotiations Group. VIDEO Russian citizens who fought on the side of the terrorists and were captured by the Ukrainian troops are afraid to return to the territories controlled by the terrorists. 67 212 43
Terrorist from 'Vostok' battalion exchanged for four Ukrainian soldiers Four more Ukrainian soldiers were freed from the terrorists' captivity on Friday, Jan.2. They include three soldiers from the Ukrainian Army and one from the 'Donbas' battalion. 66 552 309
Occupiers shot two captured Ukrainian soldiers: "No prisoners! Shoot them all! Let them not bunch up". VIDEO A pro-Kremlin military blogger published footage from a Russian drone. It shows an enemy commander, having seen Ukrainian prisoners in a drone video, saying: "Take no prisoners! Shoot them all! Let them not bunch up". After that, the Russian military first killed one prisoner and then another. It is known that the tragedy took place near the Alabaster Pond, east of the village of Klishchiivka, Bakhmut district, Donetsk region. 58 998 255 Previously in trend: War Russian agression
Mother of Ukrainian serviceman captured by Russians in Mariupol was sent photo of dead son. PHOTOS On the morning of April 30, the mother of a Ukrainian military prisoner with the pseudonym Dan in Mariupol received a photo of her dead son. WARNING! The news contains footage not recommended for viewing by minors, pregnant women and people with mental illness! 57 807 92 Previously in trend: War
Troops of North Operational Command Freed 9 More Ukrainian Troops from Terrorists. PHOTO Forces of the North Operational Command headed by Lieutenant-General Igor Kolesnik that perform ATO tasks successfully carried out the operation to liberate 9 Ukrainian servicemen. 57 078 48
Occupiers shot unarmed captured soldier. VIDEO Russian troops allegedly shot another unarmed captive soldier. 56 683 185
Some Ukrainian soldiers were captured during withdrawal from Avdiivka, - Tarnavskyi Covering the organized withdrawal of our units from Avdiivka, the artillery of the Tauria unit performed almost 400 firing missions. 53 978 302 Previously in trend: War
Four Ukrainian heroes released from terrorists' captivity – Poroshenko. PHOTOS Four Ukrainian soldiers have been released from captivity of the terrorists. 53 603 115
Occupiers shot 16 Ukrainian soldiers who surrendered in Pokrovsk direction. VIDEO The drone operator of one of the Ukrainian units filmed how the Russian invaders in the Pokrovsk direction, near the settlements of Mykolaivka - Sukhyi Yar, took 16 Ukrainian servicemen who surrendered to the Russian occupation into the field and shot them dead. 52 623 224 Previously in trend: War
Head and limbs were cut off: Lubinets appealed to ICRC and UN regarding killing of Ukrainian prisoner of war by occupiers. PHOTO A photo of a Ukrainian prisoner of war allegedly killed by the occupiers was posted online, and the Ukrainian Ombudsman appealed to the ICRC and the UN. 51 910 113 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine War
"Parade of prisoners" in Donetsk is a war crime - UN Assistant Secretary General "Parade of prisoners" in the occupied city of Donbas is a war crime, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ivan Šimonović says. 51 804 177 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine
Ruscists executed unarmed captive Ukrainian soldier with sword in Novohrodivka, Donetsk region. PHOTO 18+ In Novohrodivka, Donetsk region, Russian soldiers executed an unarmed Ukrainian prisoner of war with his hands tied with duct tape. 48 744 162 Previously in trend: War
Poroshenko: 12 Ukrainian servicemen liberated from terrorists’ captivity 12 Ukrainian military have been freed from terrorists’ captivity. 47 678 114
Captive Russian GRU operatives Aleksandrov and Yerofeyev ask court to recognize them prisoners of war The Supreme Administrative Court of Ukraine has received a claim from the defense of commandos of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (GRU) Alexander Aleksandrov and Yevgeniy Yerofeyev to recognize them as prisoners of war. 47 413 498 Previously in trend: Captured Russian special forces operatives
Ukrainian scout Oleksandr Ponomariov released from terrorists’ captivity, - Advisor to Deputy Defense Minister. PHOTOS Ukrainian soldier, scout Oleksandr Ponomariov was released today as a result of the joint work of the Group on Humanitarian Affairs, the Security Service of Ukraine and the Defense Ministry’s Department of Cooperation. 46 149 70
10 soldiers released from captivity, - Poroshenko 10 Ukrainian servicemen have been released from captivity. 45 914 157
OSCE Experts Helped Soldiers of the 72nd Brigade to Retreat to the Russian Territory. Some of Them Have Already Returned to Ukraine 449 Ukrainian soldiers retreated to Russia from Ukraine during the period from August 1 to 4 with the help of the OSCE observers. 45 242 197 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine
Ukraine exchanged 11 militants for 8 Ukrainian soldiers and one civilian. PHOTOS "Luhansk People's Republic" militants assure they have no more prisoners. According to the released soldiers, another 20 Ukrainian prisoners are held captive in Donetsk. 44 194 91 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine
Total ATO Casualties: 258 Soldiers Killed, 922 Wounded and 45 Imprisoned by Terrorists - NSDC Over the entire period of the anti-terrorist operation 258 Ukrainian servicemen were killed. 44 177 601 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine
First questioning of 3 captured occupants: "Raise your face! Higher! Where are you from?". VIDEO Ukrainian soldiers captured three occupiers. 44 085 128 Previously in trend: War
Savchenko lost 10 kilograms because of hunger strike. She was transferred to solitary confinement cell - lawyer Ukrainian Pilot and the Verkhovna Rada deputy from Batkivshchyna party Nadia Savchenko lost 10 kilograms of weight during 28 days of hunger strike. 43 135 450
Invaders shot three captured Ukrainian soldiers. VIDEO from drone The occupiers shot three captured Ukrainian soldiers from the 117th Brigade. 42 282 105 Previously in trend: War
Execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war in Krynky: Russian commander who gave order identified The order for the brutal execution of three Ukrainian prisoners of war could have been given by the commander of the Russian Armed Forces, Sergei Ishtuganov. 40 964 80
Terrorists may not execute Ukrainian prisoners, – Tandit Statements by ‘DPR’ and ‘LPR’ representatives about possible ‘executions’ of captured Ukrainian soldiers are intended to blackmail Kyiv during the Minsk agreements and negotiations on prisoner exchange. 40 941 152
Ruscists shoot group of Ukrainian prisoners of war who were surrounded in Kursk region Russian invaders probably shot Ukrainian prisoners of war who were surrounded in the Kursk region. 40 223 58
Occupants are storming Ukrainian positions, hiding behind prisoners’ backs. VIDEO The invaders tried to storm Ukrainian positions near Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia, hiding behind the backs of captured Ukrainians. 38 807 81 Previously in trend: War
Volodymyr Tsema-Bursov, liberated soldier of 56th Brigade, lost 38 kg in 20 months of captivity and got "bunch" of diseases. PHOTO A month ago, Vladimir Tsema-Bursov returned from Russian captivity. After the exchange, the 41-year-old man is undergoing treatment in a medical facility in Poltava. 38 275 129 Previously in trend: War
Halyna Fedyshyn - last female marine among captured, who defended Mariupol, returned to Ukraine. PHOTO During the exchange of prisoners of war today, 3 January, Marine Halyna Fedyshyn, who defended Mariupol, returned home to Ukraine. She was the last of the female marines to be held in captivity. 37 669 67 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Prisoner swap War
Shooting for phrase "Glory to Ukraine": previously, killed soldier of 30th SMB Timofii Shadura. PHOTO According to preliminary data, the deceased, who was shot by the occupiers for the phrase "Glory to Ukraine" is a serviceman of the 30th separate mechanized brigade Tymofii Mykolayovych Shadura. 37 273 97 Previously in trend: War
Captured occupier with black eye and tattoo with symbols of Third Reich: "I came to fight Nazis". VIDEO Ukrainian soldiers captured the occupier with tattoos containing elements of the Third Reich’s symbols. 36 641 93 Previously in trend: War
"Alive. Forgotten. Captive," - relatives of Kirovohrad fighters seek their release for 481 days. PHOTOS It has been 481 days since relatives of captive Ukrainian soldiers from the 3rd Separate Spetsnaz Regiment are struggling to get their loved ones released. 36 110 86
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