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The theme of hostages has been a prominent aspect of current events in Ukraine. Recently, nine Russian occupiers were captured by Ukraine's State Border Service in Pokrovsk, coinciding with Ukraine's Independence Day. Additionally, the National Guard's Azov Corps apprehended Russian forces responsible for Ukrainian casualties, highlighting ongoing hostilities. Among notable developments, a series of prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia have taken place. These swaps have seen figures such as former Kherson mayor Mykolaienko and journalists Khyliuk and Kaliush released. The exchanges underscore the continual negotiations aimed at liberating military personnel and civilians from captivity, with significant emphasis on those who have been detained since earlier phases of the conflict. Such actions reflect broader efforts to address the humanitarian crisis wrought by the ongoing conflict.

What recent progress has been made in hostage negotiations in Ukraine?

Recent developments in hostage negotiations in Ukraine include multiple prisoner exchanges with Russia, leading to the release of both military personnel and civilians. Notable figures such as former Kherson mayor and journalists have been returned, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to address the issue.

How are hostages being exchanged between Ukraine and Russia?

The exchange of hostages between Ukraine and Russia involves coordinated agreements, often brokered during international negotiations such as those in Istanbul. The exchanges focus on returning military personnel and civilians held in captivity, sometimes under conditions prioritizing the severely wounded or young individuals.

What role do Ukrainian border services play in hostage situations?

Ukrainian border services actively engage in defense operations, capturing enemy combatants involved in hostilities. They play a critical role in both securing Ukraine's borders and facilitating prisoner exchanges by participating in tactical operations against opposing forces.

Who are some of the significant individuals recently released from captivity?

Significant recent releases from captivity include Mykolaienko, the former mayor of Kherson, and journalists Khyliuk and Kaliush, highlighting successful negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. These exchanges continue to underscore the importance of diplomatic efforts amidst ongoing conflict.

How does the ongoing conflict affect prisoner-of-war exchanges?

The ongoing conflict necessitates complex negotiations for prisoner-of-war exchanges, emphasizing humanitarian concerns. Regular exchanges are organized, taking into account the condition of prisoners, including those severely wounded, aiming to facilitate their return amid continued military engagements.

What were the outcomes of the negotiations in Istanbul regarding hostages?

The Istanbul negotiations have been pivotal, resulting in renewed agreements for prisoner exchanges. These talks aim to address humanitarian needs and ensure the return of hostages, particularly focusing on the seriously ill and youthful detainees, marking progress in mediating ongoing disputes.

How do exchanges impact the humanitarian situation in Ukraine?

Prisoner exchanges significantly impact Ukraine's humanitarian situation by facilitating the return of detainees, reuniting them with families, and addressing health needs of severely wounded individuals. These swaps highlight ongoing efforts to mitigate the war's detrimental effects on individuals and families.

Can you describe the challenges faced in hostage negotiations?

Hostage negotiations between Ukraine and Russia face challenges including logistical complexities, differing priorities, and security concerns. Achieving agreements often involves intense diplomatic mediation to ensure the safe exchange of prisoners amidst an unstable and hostile environment.

What is the significance of military captures in ongoing conflicts?

Military captures significantly influence ongoing conflicts by impacting morale and strategy. Ukrainian forces capturing Russian soldiers not only demonstrate tactical successes but also contribute to upcoming prisoner exchanges, appearing as leverage in negotiation processes with the opposing side.

How does international involvement affect hostage exchanges in Ukraine?

International involvement, such as mediation by countries like Türkiye, plays a vital role in facilitating hostage exchanges. These efforts contribute to easing tensions, providing neutral ground for discussions, and assisting in implementing agreements that help mitigate the humanitarian impact of the conflict.

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Articles hostages

pows Captured occupiers told how they went to Pokrovsk Three servicemen of the Russian Armed Forces - Artem Smirnov, Sergey Morgunov and Eldar Zakiyev - moved towards Pokrovsk as part of different small assault groups. The outcome for them was the same, and far from being the worst compared to their comrades - captivity. 18 667 15

Volodymyr, Simonov Interview with captive native of Donetsk region who fought in 83rd Guards Air Assault Brigade of RF Armed Forces Volodymyr Volodymyrovych Simonov, born on March 12, 1981, was born, raised, and worked in the city of Dobropillia, Donetsk region — in Ukraine. In 2014, after the onset of Russian aggression, he gathered his family and fled to Russia, settling in Tula. Ten years later, in March 2025, Simonov made his final choice: he signed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense and returned to Ukraine as part of the occupying army. 7 725 23 Previously in trend: interview with captured occupier

prisoners, exchange "Guys in captivity are forced to walk with their heads constantly bowed down in places of detention." How those who survived captivity are rehabilitated and retrained to move "We cannot comprehend what the Russians are doing. Neither as normal people nor as doctors. Perhaps this is some new form of torture. They were not just told to lower their heads; their entire torso had to be bent forward with their hands behind their backs," says Yuliia, head of the department at the National Guard of Ukraine’s medical center and a specialist in physical rehabilitation medicine. 179 110 13 Previously in trend: Torture of POWs in Russian prisons Rehabilitation of military

Fighters captured a Russian millionaire fraudster When I saw infantry training, I realized it was doomed to fail – captured dollar millionaire from Novosibirsk Klimov Daniil Nikolaievich, born on April 29, 2004, serviceman of the 74th Brigade of the Russian Armed Forces, 1444th Regiment. Dollar millionaire, an "office worker" from Novosibirsk. 22 597 5

scout Denys Ukrainian fighter went in alone to clear tree line near Siversk and capture six Russian assault troopers A soldier from the 4th National Guard Brigade "Rubizh," "Syla Svobody" (Power of Freedom) Battalion, tells the story of his own heroic act — an incredible wartime episode captured by a drone. 9 866 13 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Balgrabsky prisoner of war Russian company commander with five soldiers surrendered A significant development occurred near Kharkiv. A Russian company commander, a lieutenant from St. Petersburg, withdrew the remnants of his company from their position, and they voluntarily surrendered to the soldiers of the 13th National Guard Brigade "Khartiia." 13 302 11 Previously in trend: interview with captured occupier captured occupiers

POW, Zagorodnev Russian assault trooper threw grenade into his commander’s dugout and surrendered to Ukrainian drone An incredible story. In front of a Ukrainian drone operator from the 13th Brigade of the National Guard "Khartiia," a Russian fighter-assault trooper threw grenades and killed his company commander. After the elimination, the Russian raised his hands and surrendered to the drone. 5 921 6

POW, opryshkin Stories of two Russian POWs who ended up at "zero line" Two of the eight Russian occupiers from the 74th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade (SMRB) of the Russian Armed Forces, who were captured in the Pokrovsk direction by 50-year-old assault troops from the 425th Separate Assault Regiment (SAR) ’SKALA,’ (ROCK) share their stories of how they ended up at the "zero line". 7 125 5

Інтерв’ю з пораненим полоненим Captured Russian: Disabled people are also thrown into assault, and even if there are 18 shrapnel in body A prisoner of war of the Russian Armed Forces, Staff Sergeant Yevhen Agafonov from Krasnodar Territory, tells about a "disabled assault team" where a 64-year-old infantryman with a cane fought, the lack of evacuation in case of injury, and the inability to return to Russia for treatment. 7 548 9

Штурм висоти 105, операція Лопата Truth about Chosen Company: Did Americans kill Russian POWs? We talk about the legendary video of this war and one of the craziest assault operations in August 2023, as well as the NYT scandal and war crimes accusations - about this and more with Ryan O’Leary, one of the most respected people in the Russian-Ukrainian war. The American veteran of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq is the commander of CHOSEN COMPANY, a volunteer unit in the Ukrainian infantry. 16 774 10

Інтерв'ю Бутусова з російським полоненим Russian captured UAV operator: They gave me only armour and helmet, told me to find assault rifle on spot Roman Zhuravlev, a private in the Russian army, was captured near the village of Lyptsi when he was fetching water at 6am. It took only a week from the moment his unit arrived at the Kharkiv frontline to his capture. 6 902 15

полон "Returned tortured man had missing part of his brain, rag was sewn in instead," Anastasiia Savova, coordinator of families of captured marines The aggressor country holds Ukrainian prisoners of war in 42 pre-trial detention centers and penal colonies, where it uses numerous forms of torture, of which starvation and beatings seem the most innocuous. There is information that prisoners who are citizens of the Russian Federation have been resettled from most detention centers and colonies, which means that there is a deliberate policy of physical and mental extermination of Ukrainian prisoners of war. 32 165 34

Sex under siege: Ukrainian drama uncovers how war affects intimacy Sex under siege: Ukrainian drama uncovers how war affects intimacy What happens to people’s personal relationships – and, more specifically, their sexual lives – in a time of conflict? 408 0