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Captives remain a critical issue in the war between Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine has recently made significant efforts to secure the release of its citizens from captivity. The EU has established a group to coordinate the efforts of other countries to free people being unlawfully detained. Meanwhile, Russia continues to delay the implementation of agreements on exchanges. A total of 1,596 people have been returned this year alone, but thousands of Ukrainians remain in captivity. The situation of the defenders of Mariupol is particularly difficult, with negotiations over their release still ongoing. Numerous cases of abuse of captives have also been documented, including torture by the Russian occupiers.
How many Ukrainian captives are currently being held by Russia?
As of today, the detention of 1,878 civilians has been confirmed, although the total number may be as high as 16,000. A significant number of Ukrainian prisoners of war also remain in Russian captivity, and Ukraine continues negotiations with Russia to secure their release.
Which organisations are helping to secure the release of Ukrainian captives?
The European Union is actively involved in these efforts and has established an informal group to coordinate the work of its member states. Ukraine also cooperates with international partners to facilitate prisoner exchanges.
Have Ukrainian captives been subjected to torture in Russia?
Yes. Numerous cases of torture have been documented. In particular, the bodies of 375 people have been returned with clear signs of abuse. Ukraine continues to fight for the rights of its citizens held in Russian captivity.
How many captives has Ukraine brought home this year?
Ukraine has already brought 1,596 people home from Russian captivity this year. Although this is a significant achievement, further efforts are needed to secure the release of the remaining prisoners of war and unlawfully detained civilians.
What is Russia’s position on prisoner exchanges?
Russia continues to delay prisoner exchanges despite the agreements already reached. In particular, the “1,000-for-1,000” exchanges have been delayed by the Russian side, complicating the release of Ukrainian citizens.
What is known about the defenders of Mariupol held in Russian captivity?
Securing the release of the defenders of Mariupol remains one of the most difficult issues in the exchange process. Negotiations concerning their return are still ongoing.
Are Ukrainian civilians also being held by Russia?
Yes. The detention of 1,878 Ukrainian civilians has been officially confirmed, while the actual number may be as high as 16,000. Ukraine continues working to secure their release.
Why are Ukrainian captives still awaiting release?
Thousands of Ukrainians remain in captivity because Russia delays the implementation of exchange agreements. Negotiations continue with the involvement of Ukraine’s international partners.
Photo news Captives
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... 2 163 2 Previously in trend: Torture of POWs in Russian prisons
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. 3 698 3 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. 4 822 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. 6 572 14 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
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. 6 553 13 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Among those released from captivity on 24 August were former Kherson mayor Mykolaienko and journalists Khyliuk and Kaliush. PHOTOS As part of the exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia, former Kherson mayor Volodymyr Mykolaienko and journalists Dmytro Khyliuk and Mark Kaliush were returned home from Russian captivity on 24 August. 7 244 53 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Another prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia took place. PHOTOS On Sunday, 24 August, a prisoner exchange took place between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. Soldiers of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, the State Border Guard Service and civilians are returning home to Ukraine from Russian captivity. Most of them have been in captivity since 2022. 8 286 38 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Soldier killed in battle few days before his father’s return from three years in Russian captivity. PHOTO The sad news came from the Zaporizhzhia sector: a soldier, Yaroslav Boichuk, son of the famous Mariupol defender Oleksandr Boichuk, was killed while performing a combat mission. 5 519 7 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine
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. 4 601 6 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Last defender of Zmiinyi Island has been returned from captivity - Coordination Headquarters. PHOTO During today's prisoner exchange, the last defender of Zmiinyi Island returned to Ukraine. 4 967 11 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Ukraine and Russia carried out prisoner exchange. Seriously ill and severely wounded defenders return home – Zelenskyy. VIDEO&PHOTOS On July 23, a POW swap took place between Ukraine and Russia. Seriously ill and severely wounded defenders were returned home to Ukraine. 6 437 15 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
24th Brigade soldiers capture paratroopers of Russia’s 98th Division in Chasiv Yar. PHOTOS Soldiers of the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo captured paratroopers of the Russian Federation’s 98th Division in Chasiv Yar, Donetsk region. 9 283 10 Previously in trend: captured occupiers
Security Service of Ukraine releases exclusive footage of POW swap. VIDEO+PHOTOS On June 9, Ukraine carried out another prisoner exchange. The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) released exclusive photos and videos from the event, capturing emotional moments of Ukrainian defenders returning home. 5 968 4 Previously in trend: Situation at front
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. 7 146 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. 11 033 53 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Former Ukrainian POWs tell UN Security Council about torture in Russian captivity: Inhuman treatment, use of electroshock. PHOTO At an informal meeting at the UN Security Council, former Ukrainian prisoners spoke about their stay and numerous tortures in Russian prisons, calling on the UN to make every effort to free the prisoners. 6 809 10
Defense forces captured two North Koreans. They are already communicating with SSU - Zelenskyy. PHOTOS Our soldiers captured North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region. These are two soldiers who, although wounded, survived. They have now been taken to Kyiv, where they are talking to SSU investigators. 14 163 62
Italian citizen who fought in Russian army was captured in Kharkiv region. PHOTOS Paratroopers of the 78th Separate Air Assault Regiment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine captured an Italian who fought on the side of the Russian occupiers. 13 365 55
One of largest exchanges since beginning of full-scale invasion took place today, 173 privates and sergeants and 14 officers were released - Coordination Center. VIDEO&PHOTOS. VIDEO&PHOTOS On Monday, 30 December, 189 citizens were released and returned to Ukraine from Russian captivity. Among those who returned are prisoners of war in the Kursk region, civilians, and National Guardsmen from the Chornobyl nuclear power plant. 7 666 21
Special Operations Soldiers of SOF conducted raid in Kursk region and captured 8 occupiers, eliminated 7 more. VIDEO+PHOTOS Special Operations Soldiers of SOF conducted a successful operation behind enemy lines, destroying Russian troops and capturing the occupiers. 7 827 9 Previously in trend: War
"Empty Chairs" event in support of captured and missing journalists and artists held in Kyiv. PHOTOS On 15 November, a human rights event "Empty Chairs" was held on St Sophia Square in Kyiv in support of journalists, writers, cultural figures and human rights activists who have gone missing, been imprisoned or are in Russian captivity. 790 0
Process of last exchange was extremely difficult. Among freed are 38 soldiers of National Guard, 2 policemen, and 2 border guards - Klymenko. PHOTOS Among the Ukrainian servicemen released from enemy captivity the day before were 42 employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. 4 559 15 Previously in trend: War
Ukrainian soldiers captured about two dozen occupiers during operation to liberate aggregate plant in Vovchansk - DIU. PHOTO At the final stage of the liberation of the Vovchansk Aggregate Plant, Ukrainian defenders managed to capture about two dozen Russian invaders. The unique operation, which lasted more than a week, was carried out by scouts from the Timur Special Forces unit, fighters from the Stugna, Paragon,... 12 906 38
Rally in support of captured and missing defenders of Mariupol was held in Kyiv. PHOTOS On 18 September, a peaceful rally was held in the capital in support of captured and missing defenders, including the defenders of Mariupol. 1 404 7
Today’s prisoner exchange was organized by UAE, - coordination headquarters. PHOTOS Today, 14 September 2024, another prisoner exchange took place. It was organised with the help of the United Arab Emirates. 2 979 4
Ukraine returns 115 defenders from Russian captivity (updated). PHOTOS On 24 August, Independence Day, Ukraine and Russia exchanged prisoners of war. 115 Ukrainian soldiers returned home. 21 577 86 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap War
Soldiers of 22nd SMB replenish exchange fund in Kursk region. PHOTO The soldiers of the 22nd Separate Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who are performing combat missions in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation, have good results in terms of prisoners. 10 501 18 Previously in trend: War
SSU special forces capture 102 Russian soldiers in Kursk region - source. VIDEO&PHOTOS SSU special forces captured 102 Russian soldiers in the Kursk region. 21 341 77 Previously in trend: War
What Ukrainian defenders who returned home after being tortured in Russian captivity look like. PHOTOS The State Border Guard Service published photos of Ukrainian soldiers who returned to Ukraine from Russian captivity on 25 June. 24 352 34 Previously in trend: War
Lost 40-50 kg of weight, but did not let themselves be broken: photos of Ukrainian soldiers released from captivity are published. PHOTOS Shocking photos of Ukrainian soldiers released from Russian captivity have been published. Our defenders have lost 40-50 kg of weight. 27 611 54 Previously in trend: War
Senior controller of checkpoint of Chernobyl NPP Roman Horylyk after 2 years of Russian captivity. PHOTOS Ukrainian Roman Horylyk has lost a lot of weight over the 2 years of his Russian captivity, and representatives of international organizations have never visited him during this time. This was reported by Censor.NET with reference to the project "I Want to Live". 31 219 58
What prisoners look like after being tortured in Russian prisons. PHOTOS The State Border Guard Service has published photos of border guards who returned from Russian captivity today. 31 603 51 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap War
Organisation of today’s prisoner exchange was facilitated by UAE - Coordination Centre. PHOTOS The 50th prisoner exchange took place today: Ukraine returned another 207 Ukrainian defenders. As part of the work of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, on behalf of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, more than two hundred Ukrainian defenders have been returned. 5 711 23 Previously in trend: War
Ukraine returns 207 prisoners of war home. VIDEO&PHOTOS. VIDEO&PHOTOS Today, 31 January, a major exchange of prisoners of war took place. Ukraine returned 207 Ukrainian soldiers and civilians from Russian captivity. 20 077 54 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap War
Occupants surrender in groups in Zaporizhzhia direction due to heavy losses and inhuman attitude of commanders - OC "West". PHOTOS In the Zaporizhzhia direction, the second group of Russian occupants from the 71st Regiment of the Russian Armed Forces surrendered. 16 399 37 Previously in trend: War
Four occupiers were captured by soldiers of National Guard in Zaporizhzhia direction. PHOTOS Soldiers of the National Guard in the Zaporizhzhia direction captured four Russian invaders. 13 616 19 Previously in trend: War
Action in support of civilian victims of enforced disappearances held in Kyiv. VIDEO&PHOTOS On 17 October, the anniversary of the ’great women’s exchange’, an event in support of civilian prisoners was held on Maidan Nezalezhnosti in Kyiv. 2 031 2
4 border guards returned from Russian captivity. PHOTO Four border guards returned from Russian captivity. 3 339 8 Previously in trend: War
Trial of 22 captured Azov’s soldiers has begun in Russia. PHOTOS On Wednesday, 14 June, the trial of more than 22 Ukrainian servicemen captured during the fighting in Ukraine began in southern Russia. 27 828 77 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine
RVC has already handed over captured Russian military personnel to Ukraine for exchange fund. PHOTO The RVC fighters have already handed over captured Russian servicemen to Ukraine for the exchange fund. 17 150 93 Previously in trend: War
Another batch of captured occupiers captured in Bakhmut direction. PHOTO Soldiers of the 3rd Assault Brigade captured another batch of occupants in the Bakhmut direction. 20 578 34 Previously in trend: War
During prisoner exchange, three pilots shot down in Kharkiv region in 2022 returned to Russia. PHOTOS During the prisoner exchange, three military pilots shot down in the Kharkiv region in the spring of 2022 returned to Russia. Ukraine managed to return 45 Mariupol defenders from Russian captivity. 20 335 58 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap War
Twice in enemy captivity: Yevhen Chudnetsov, "Azov" soldier, was freed yesterday. PHOTOS Yesterday, on 6 May, a soldier of the Azov Regiment, Yevhen Chudnetsov, was released from enemy captivity. 42 669 81 Previously in trend: War
AFU soldier released from captivity with an apple. PHOTOS On 26 April 2023, another prisoner exchange took place. The journalists caught a glimpse of a released Ukrainian soldier who was very happy to see an apple. 47 917 91 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Big Easter exchange of prisoners: Ukraine returned another 130 people (updated). PHOTOS Ukraine held the big Easter exchange of prisoners. 20 516 70 Previously in trend: War
Ukraine returned another 100 people from Russian captivity. Among them are defenders of "Azovstal" and Hostomel. VIDEO&PHOTOS. VIDEO&PHOTOS Ukraine managed to conduct another large exchange of prisoners. 17 026 20 Previously in trend: War
Another 12 Ukrainians returned from captivity. Five of them are seriously injured. PHOTOS 12 Ukrainians were released from captivity: 10 military and two civilians. 11 703 4
Ukraine unilaterally handed over to Russian Federation all severely wounded prisoners whose condition permitted transportation, - Coordination Headquarters. PHOTOS Ukraine carried out a humanitarian action and handed over to Russia all the seriously wounded occupiers whose condition allowed transportation, captured since the beginning of the large-scale invasion. 26 224 174 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine War
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