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The issue of captives is crucial in the Ukrainian conflict, with frequent updates emerging. Recent operations by Ukrainian forces have led to multiple Russian occupiers being captured without firing a shot. An ambush by the 6th SOF Regiment resulted in the capture of enemy troops, while the Security Service of Ukraine has reported Russian attempts to recruit relatives of Ukrainian prisoners. Prisoner exchanges have successfully returned 103 Ukrainian soldiers, emphasizing ongoing diplomatic and operational efforts. However, the grim reality of 375 confirmed deaths among Ukrainian captives in Russian hands underscores the brutal conditions faced by prisoners who endure torture and ill-treatment. Continuous negotiations aim to address these humanitarian issues and facilitate further exchanges.

What are the recent developments regarding captives in Ukraine?

Recent developments include tactical operations by Ukrainian forces capturing Russian soldiers, successful prisoner exchanges bringing home 103 Ukrainian soldiers, and ongoing Russian attempts to manipulate POW lists. The humanitarian plight of captives, including confirmed deaths and torture, remains a significant concern.

How is Ukraine handling prisoner exchanges with Russia?

Ukraine is actively negotiating and executing prisoner exchanges with Russia. Recent exchanges have returned 103 Ukrainian captives, and a proposed 1,000-for-1,000 swap highlights ongoing efforts to secure freedom for its soldiers. These exchanges are part of coordinated diplomatic and humanitarian efforts.

What human rights issues are captives facing in the conflict?

Human rights issues for captives include reports of torture, ill-treatment, and disinformation campaigns. Confirmed deaths of 375 Ukrainians in Russian captivity underscore the severe conditions. Continued exposure of these situations aims to bring international attention and advocacy for prisoner rights.

What actions are being taken against those responsible for mistreatment of captives?

Sanctions and legal actions are being pursued against Russian officials and entities involved in the mistreatment of captives. The EU has sanctioned penal colony leadership in Mordovia, and Ukrainian prosecutors have charged individuals responsible for systemic abuse, emphasizing accountability.

How do Ukrainian forces conduct operations to capture enemy soldiers?

Ukrainian forces carefully plan and execute operations to capture enemy soldiers, often utilizing surprise and strategic tactics. Notable operations by special forces units have led to successful captures without the need for gunfire, reflecting a focus on strategic superiority and operational precision.

How can the international community help address the issue of captives in Ukraine?

The international community can assist by supporting diplomatic efforts, imposing sanctions on individuals involved in POW mistreatment, and increasing pressure for compliance with international humanitarian laws. Advocacy and attention to captives' rights are crucial in resolving these ongoing issues.

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News Captives

6th SOF Rangers Regiment raids Russian rear: two occupiers eliminated, two captured. VIDEO 6th SOF Rangers Regiment raids Russian rear: two occupiers eliminated, two captured. VIDEO Service members of the 6th Rangers Regiment of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) eliminated two Russian troops and captured two more during a raid behind enemy lines. 1 770 9 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces captured occupiers

Five Colombian mercenaries serving in Russian army surrendered to fighters of 33rd SMB. VIDEO Five Colombian mercenaries serving in Russian army surrendered to fighters of 33rd SMB. VIDEO A video has been published online showing the surrender of foreign mercenaries who were sent by the Russian command to their deaths in Ukraine. 7 197 9 Previously in trend: Captured Russian mercenaries

SOF operators launched surprise attack and captured two occupiers in Donetsk region. VIDEO SOF operators launched surprise attack and captured two occupiers in Donetsk region. VIDEO Footage showing the professional work of Ukrainian special forces has been published online. 3 664 4 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

SHADOW PACK SOF operators ambush enemy and take control of enemy-held area: 2 occupiers eliminated, 1 captured. VIDEO SHADOW PACK SOF operators ambush enemy and take control of enemy-held area: 2 occupiers eliminated, 1 captured. VIDEO On one of the operational axes, the enemy attempted to establish a foothold, creating conditions for a further build-up of personnel and offensive operations. 3 034 3 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces captured occupiers

Russian special services are stepping up their efforts to recruit relatives of Ukrainian prisoners of war, - SSU. VIDEO Russian special services are stepping up their efforts to recruit relatives of Ukrainian prisoners of war, - SSU. VIDEO The Security Service of Ukraine has noted an increase in attempts by Russian intelligence services to recruit Ukrainians whose relatives are being held captive in Russia. 1 409 1 Previously in trend: Russia’s recruitment of Ukrainians for sabotage

SOF operators from 6th Regiment raid enemy position and capture two occupiers. VIDEO SOF operators from 6th Regiment raid enemy position and capture two occupiers. VIDEO Operators of the 6th Ranger Regiment of the Special Operations Forces conducted a special operation while carrying out a combat mission near the state border and captured two Russian servicemen. 3 405 3 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Fighters of 425th Skelia Regiment take prisoner African man sent to front by Russia. VIDEO Fighters of 425th Skelia Regiment take prisoner African man sent to front by Russia. VIDEO Daniel Pomo from Zimbabwe travelled to Russia to earn money but, instead of working on a farm, ended up fighting in Russia’s war against Ukraine. 3 399 13 Previously in trend: African mercenaries of Russian army Captured Russian mercenaries

Soldier Andrii Redko died after returning from Russian captivity: "His heart gave out" Soldier Andrii Redko died after returning from Russian captivity: "His heart gave out" Andrii Redko, a Ukrainian soldier from the Sumy region, died after returning from Russian captivity. He spent more than two years in captivity, where he endured torture and starvation. 14 921 11 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine Detention conditions of POWs

Prisoner exchange takes place: Ukraine brings 103 soldiers home. VIDEO&PHOTOS Prisoner exchange takes place: Ukraine brings 103 soldiers home. VIDEO&PHOTOS Today, 19 August 2026, another prisoner exchange took place between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. 4 552 17 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

At least 375 Ukrainians died in Russian captivity. They were subjected to torture – Lubinets At least 375 Ukrainians died in Russian captivity. They were subjected to torture – Lubinets The deaths of at least 375 Ukrainian citizens in Russian captivity have now been officially confirmed. Their bodies were returned home as part of "on the shield" exchanges. They were Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian hostages. 1 097 8 Previously in trend: Detention conditions of POWs Torture of POWs in Russian prisons

Russia manipulates prisoner lists, accusing Ukraine of refusing to take back its citizens – Lubinets. VIDEO Russia manipulates prisoner lists, accusing Ukraine of refusing to take back its citizens – Lubinets. VIDEO Russia uses disinformation and manipulation of lists of prisoners of war as a tool of psychological pressure on Ukraine and the relatives of Ukrainian defenders. 668 2 Previously in trend: Ukrainians in Russian captivity

Special forces from DIU’s "BAT-13" and "ARATTA" units carried out raid on enemy positions and took Russian soldier prisoner. VIDEO Special forces from DIU’s "BAT-13" and "ARATTA" units carried out raid on enemy positions and took Russian soldier prisoner. VIDEO Special forces from the Main Intelligence Directorate carried out a raid in an enemy-held settlement and captured a ruscist. 3 464 2 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

"He gave her red roses": occupier raped woman from Donetsk Oblast every night, - media. VIDEO "He gave her red roses": occupier raped woman from Donetsk Oblast every night, - media. VIDEO For the first time in Ukraine, a Russian soldier held as a prisoner of war is standing trial on charges of sexually assaulting a civilian woman during the war. According to the investigation, the occupier raped a woman from the Donetsk region for almost two months, threatening to kill her. 11 125 27 Previously in trend: Atrocities and sexual violence in the occupied territories Investigation of Russian war crimes

"This evil must be defeated": civilian hostage Oleh Kotov has died after more than four years in Russian captivity "This evil must be defeated": civilian hostage Oleh Kotov has died after more than four years in Russian captivity Oleh Kotov, a former civilian hostage whom Russia illegally held captive for more than four years, died after returning to Ukraine. Following his release, doctors diagnosed him with cancer that had metastasized extensively. 5 003 5 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine

Marines of 36th Separate Marine Brigade thwart staged Russian video about "capture" of settlement in Donetsk region and take two occupiers with tricolor prisoner. VIDEO Marines of 36th Separate Marine Brigade thwart staged Russian video about "capture" of settlement in Donetsk region and take two occupiers with tricolor prisoner. VIDEO Soldiers of the 36th Separate Marine Brigade named after Rear Admiral Mykhailo Bilynskyi thwarted another attempt by the Russian occupiers to produce a propaganda video purporting to show an advance in the Donetsk region. 3 897 8 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Russian propaganda

Unique "Khartiia" operation near Kupiansk: hero on shield and captured ruscist were evacuated on single UGV. VIDEO Unique "Khartiia" operation near Kupiansk: hero on shield and captured ruscist were evacuated on single UGV. VIDEO Soldiers from the 13th Brigade of the Ukrainian National Guard, ‘Khartiia’, carried out a unique evacuation operation near Kupiansk, using ground-based robotic systems to fulfil two important tasks simultaneously. 6 010 5 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Fighting in the Kupіansk direction Unmanned Ground Vehicles UGVs

SOF operators wake sleeping occupiers in hideouts and capture them without firing single shot. VIDEO SOF operators wake sleeping occupiers in hideouts and capture them without firing single shot. VIDEO Operators from a unit of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces (SOF) captured two Russian servicemen without firing a single shot after discovering them in well-camouflaged hideouts. 6 230 12 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Fighters of 6th SOF Regiment Rangers approach occupiers to distance of one meter, wipe out position and take two prisoner. VIDEO Fighters of 6th SOF Regiment Rangers approach occupiers to distance of one meter, wipe out position and take two prisoner. VIDEO Operators from the Rangers special operations group of the 6th Regiment of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) carried out a successful raid on Russian positions in one of the operational sectors. 7 500 7 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces captured occupiers

Soldiers of 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade capture occupier who infiltrated Oleksiievo-Druzhkivka to film propaganda video. VIDEO Soldiers of 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade capture occupier who infiltrated Oleksiievo-Druzhkivka to film propaganda video. VIDEO Servicemen from a mobile fire group of the anti-aircraft missile battalion of the 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Knights of the Winter Campaign captured a Russian soldier in the Kostiantynivka sector. 4 880 5 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Russian propaganda

SOF fighters covertly infiltrated enemy settlement, carried out mop-up operation and took ruscist prisoner. VIDEO SOF fighters covertly infiltrated enemy settlement, carried out mop-up operation and took ruscist prisoner. VIDEO Operatives from Group ‘F’ of the 1st Detachment of the 144th Special Operations Forces Centre carried out a successful special operation in one of the operational sectors, during which they captured a Russian serviceman and cleared a designated sector of the settlement. 3 418 4 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Fighters of Defence Intelligence’s International Legion clear occupiers’ positions near Stepnohirsk and capture ruscist. VIDEO Fighters of Defence Intelligence’s International Legion clear occupiers’ positions near Stepnohirsk and capture ruscist. VIDEO Fighters of the Revenge Tactical Group of the International Legion of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine successfully cleared Russian positions near Stepnohirsk in the Zaporizhzhia region. 3 219 2 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces captured occupiers Fightings in the Zaporizhzhia direction foreign volunteers in the armed forces

Russian media reported that Russia is preparing new prisoner exchange with Ukraine Russian media reported that Russia is preparing new prisoner exchange with Ukraine Russia has announced that it is preparing a new prisoner-of-war exchange with Ukraine. At the same time, the Ukrainian side has not officially confirmed that a new phase of the exchange will take place in the near future. 1 118 1 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

406 Ukrainians died in Russian captivity, hundreds of forms of torture used against captives – Prokopenko 406 Ukrainians died in Russian captivity, hundreds of forms of torture used against captives – Prokopenko At least 406 Ukrainian military personnel and civilians have died in Russian captivity since the start of the full-scale invasion. At the same time, the Russian occupiers subject Ukrainian prisoners of war to 695 forms of torture. 1 515 7 Previously in trend: Torture of POWs in Russian prisons

Special forces from 73rd Naval Special Operations Centre seized enemy boat and took five occupiers prisoner. VIDEO Special forces from 73rd Naval Special Operations Centre seized enemy boat and took five occupiers prisoner. VIDEO Soldiers from the 73rd Naval Centre of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Special Operations Forces carried out a successful operation on the Dnipro, during which they seized an enemy boat and took five Russian soldiers prisoner. 10 532 16 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Hart Brigade routs Russian assault groups in Kharkiv region: 43 occupiers eliminated, two captured. VIDEO Hart Brigade routs Russian assault groups in Kharkiv region: 43 occupiers eliminated, two captured. VIDEO Servicemen of the Hart Brigade thwarted another series of assaults by Russian forces in the north of the Kharkiv region, inflicting significant losses on the enemy. 5 480 2 Previously in trend: Destruction of Russian equipment Elimination of Russian occupying forces captured occupiers Repelling assault

Soldiers from 225th Assault Regiment captured 64 Russian occupiers in Zaporizhzhia sector. VIDEO Soldiers from 225th Assault Regiment captured 64 Russian occupiers in Zaporizhzhia sector. VIDEO In the Zaporizhzhia sector, Ukrainian defenders have significantly bolstered their pool of prisoners to be exchanged by taking 64 Russian occupiers captive. 15 455 23 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

EU imposes sanctions against leadership of Mordovian colony where Ukrainian prisoners were tortured EU imposes sanctions against leadership of Mordovian colony where Ukrainian prisoners were tortured The European Union has imposed sanctions against the leadership of Penal Colony No. 10 in Mordovia, where Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians are being unlawfully detained and tortured. Seven officials from the Russian prison system have been added to the sanctions list. 671 5 Previously in trend: Torture of POWs in Russian prisons

Failed attempt to breach border leaves 32 occupiers eliminated and 5 captured. VIDEO Failed attempt to breach border leaves 32 occupiers eliminated and 5 captured. VIDEO Last week, Russian occupation forces repeatedly attempted to breach Ukraine’s state border in the Southern Slobozhanskyi sector, using small infantry groups across several sections. 6 589 4 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces captured occupiers

Prisoners were tortured, raped and left to freeze to death: two Russian sadists from Colony No. 7 in Vladimir region of Russian Federation have been identified. VIDEO Prisoners were tortured, raped and left to freeze to death: two Russian sadists from Colony No. 7 in Vladimir region of Russian Federation have been identified. VIDEO The Office of the Prosecutor General has announced that charges have been brought against two Russian executioners who turned the detention of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian hostages at Penal Colony No. 7 (in the village of Pakino, Vladimir region, Russian Federation) into a systematic... 3 034 7 Previously in trend: Investigation of Russian war crimes

Ukrainian drone equipped with loudspeaker forced three occupiers to surrender: "What’s the matter, you idiot? Don’t you want to live?". VIDEO Ukrainian drone equipped with loudspeaker forced three occupiers to surrender: "What’s the matter, you idiot? Don’t you want to live?". VIDEO Unique footage and accounts of a successful psychological and assault operation carried out by Ukrainian defenders in the Pokrovsk sector have been published online. Using a drone fitted with a loudspeaker, Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers managed to take three Russian invaders prisoner without... 5 257 6 Previously in trend: Combat operations in the Pokrovsk direction captured occupiers

Suspicions against Russian war criminals: with assistance of Defence Intelligence, two further torturers of Ukrainian prisoners of war have been identified. PHOTO Suspicions against Russian war criminals: with assistance of Defence Intelligence, two further torturers of Ukrainian prisoners of war have been identified. PHOTO With the assistance of the Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and under the procedural guidance of the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, operatives from the Criminal Investigation Department of the National Police of Ukraine and investigators from the Main... 2 182 2 Previously in trend: Torture of POWs in Russian prisons

Fighters from "Skelia" regiment captured occupier using drone in Pokrovsk direction. VIDEO Fighters from "Skelia" regiment captured occupier using drone in Pokrovsk direction. VIDEO In the Pokrovsk sector of Donetsk Oblast, drone operators from the 425th Separate Assault Regiment ‘Skelia’ of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Land Forces carried out a successful operation to capture a serviceman from the Russian occupation forces. A quadcopter equipped with an audio alert system... 27 082 14 Previously in trend: Combat operations in the Pokrovsk direction captured occupiers

This year, Ukraine has already returned 1,596 people from Russian captivity, Zelenskyy says. VIDEO This year, Ukraine has already returned 1,596 people from Russian captivity, Zelenskyy says. VIDEO Ukraine continues to bring people back from Russian captivity, including 1,596 people who have already been freed this year. 719 12 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Ukraine has secured return of four sailors who were being held by Iran following seizure of their vessel in Strait of Hormuz, - Tykhyi Ukraine has secured return of four sailors who were being held by Iran following seizure of their vessel in Strait of Hormuz, - Tykhyi Ukrainian diplomats have secured the release of four Ukrainian sailors who had been held by members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps since April this year, following the seizure of their vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. 540 0 Previously in trend: Closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran

Ukraine and South Korea to discuss fate of North Korean military prisoners, - Reuters Ukraine and South Korea to discuss fate of North Korean military prisoners, - Reuters On June 30, Ukraine and South Korea will hold talks regarding prisoners of war from the DPRK who fought on Russia’s side in the war against Ukraine. 1 691 3 Previously in trend: DPRK soldiers in the Kursk region prisoners of war of the DPRK

Ukraine has already returned more soldiers from Russian captivity than are still in captivity, - Lubinets Ukraine has already returned more soldiers from Russian captivity than are still in captivity, - Lubinets The number of Ukrainian defenders who have already been released from Russian captivity currently exceeds the number of servicemen who remain in captivity. 1 151 8 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Three ruscists raise hands and follow Ukrainian drone to surrender. VIDEO Three ruscists raise hands and follow Ukrainian drone to surrender. VIDEO Drone operators of the Defense Forces used a UAV to spot three Russian soldiers and forced them to lay down their arms. 3 613 9 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Drone operators

Among 33 Azov servicemen released today, only two are defenders of Mariupol – Prokopenko Among 33 Azov servicemen released today, only two are defenders of Mariupol – Prokopenko During today’s prisoner exchange, 33 servicemen of the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine (NGU) "Azov" returned to Ukraine. At the same time, only two of them are fighters of the separate special purpose detachment "Azov" who defended Mariupol. 3 962 10 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Active Operations Department fighter shows footage of clearing enemy positions and capturing 7 ruscists. VIDEO Active Operations Department fighter shows footage of clearing enemy positions and capturing 7 ruscists. VIDEO Footage has been released online showing the Active Operations Department’s troops conducting a sweep of a wooded area during an attempted infiltration by Russian infantry. 7 442 22 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces captured occupiers

Russians finished off their own wounded with drones, whom Ukrainian Armed Forces had evacuated using a ground robot. VIDEO Russians finished off their own wounded with drones, whom Ukrainian Armed Forces had evacuated using a ground robot. VIDEO Russian military personnel have once again demonstrated cruelty towards their own soldiers by killing them after they were taken prisoner. According to Censor.NET, citing the unit’s press service, during combat operations, soldiers from the 33rd Separate Assault Regiment used a drone to remotely... 11 502 14 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Ukrainian defenders of 65th Separate Mechanised Brigade took occupiers prisoner, who had been moving 13 km along gas pipeline in Orikhiv direction. VIDEO Ukrainian defenders of 65th Separate Mechanised Brigade took occupiers prisoner, who had been moving 13 km along gas pipeline in Orikhiv direction. VIDEO Soldiers from the 65th Separate Mechanised Brigade captured Russian commandos who were attempting to infiltrate via a gas pipeline in the Orikhiv sector. 14 915 46 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Hostilities in the Orikhiv direction

Russian forces used drone to kill two of their comrades whilst they were attempting to surrender to AFU. VIDEO Russian forces used drone to kill two of their comrades whilst they were attempting to surrender to AFU. VIDEO Aerial reconnaissance by the "Pegasus" strike UAV company of the 1st Separate Heavy Mechanised Brigade has captured footage of two occupiers attempting to surrender. 8 952 10 Previously in trend: Drones against occupiers captured occupiers Elimination of Russian occupiers

1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange is being prepared, Coordination Headquarters has handed over lists to Russian side, – Zelenskyy 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange is being prepared, Coordination Headquarters has handed over lists to Russian side, – Zelenskyy A prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia on a 1,000-for-1,000 basis is being prepared. The Ukrainian Coordination Headquarters has already handed over lists of 1,000 people to be exchanged to the Russian side. 3 029 18 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Fighters from 8th Special Operations Regiment cleared forest strip and eliminated occupier who refused to surrender. VIDEO Fighters from 8th Special Operations Regiment cleared forest strip and eliminated occupier who refused to surrender. VIDEO Ukrainian infantrymen from the 8th Regiment of the Special Operations Forces, part of the "UA_REG TEAM" unit, carried out a sweep of wooded terrain on one section of the front line. 6 024 5 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Close-quarters combat

Zelenskyy confirms three-day ceasefire with Russia and POW swap, thanks Trump for diplomatic involvement Zelenskyy confirms three-day ceasefire with Russia and POW swap, thanks Trump for diplomatic involvement As part of the US-mediated negotiation process, Russia has agreed to hold a POW swap in the format of 1,000 for 1,000. A ceasefire is also to be established on May 9, 10 and 11. 9 007 129 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia Zelenskyy about ceasefire

Facts of enemy’s killing of 306 Ukrainian prisoners of war since start of full-scale invasion have been documented, - Office of Prosecutor General Facts of enemy’s killing of 306 Ukrainian prisoners of war since start of full-scale invasion have been documented, - Office of Prosecutor General Since the start of Russia’s full-scale war, 116 criminal investigations have documented instances of the occupiers’ intentional killing of 306 Ukrainian prisoners of war. 655 0 Previously in trend: Execution of Ukrainian POWs

China calls on Ukraine to treat prisoners of war who fought on side of Russian Federation humanely, — Chinese Foreign Ministry China calls on Ukraine to treat prisoners of war who fought on side of Russian Federation humanely, — Chinese Foreign Ministry China has commented on the detention of Chinese citizens in Ukraine. 7 637 53 Previously in trend: Chinese mercenaries in Russian army

Special forces of DIU’s Legion capture six occupiers in Zaporizhzhia Oblast: "Face down! Relax, f#ck. Nobody will touch you!". VIDEO Special forces of DIU’s Legion capture six occupiers in Zaporizhzhia Oblast: "Face down! Relax, f#ck. Nobody will touch you!". VIDEO Military intelligence special forces carried out an effective operation to eliminate and capture enemy personnel on the southern front. As reported by Censor.NET, a video of the combat work of fighters from the Legion unit of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has... 7 727 8 Previously in trend: Fightings in the Zaporizhzhia direction

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