Why Prisoners Held Since 2014 Are Excluded from the Upcoming Exchange with Russia.

The Prisoner Situation

According to TSN.ua: Individuals captured as far back as 2014 remain in Russian captivity. Their names are notably absent from the list for an imminent prisoner exchange. Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine's military intelligence chief, has confirmed that while some prisoners have been freed, the majority of those detained since 2014 will not be part of this swap. This ongoing issue highlights the protracted and complex nature of the conflict, which began with Russia's initial aggression in 2014.

A separate exchange did occur on August 14, 2025, resulting in the release of 84 Ukrainians. Among those freed was one person who had endured 4,013 days in captivity. It is known that Bohdan Kovalchuk was arrested in 2016 when he was only 17 years old. The precise number of Ukrainian prisoners who were captured prior to the full-scale invasion of February 2022 remains unknown.

"Right now, I hope there will be an exchange in the coming days; everyone will see it," noted Kyrylo Budanov.

This state of affairs continues to cause profound anxiety for the families of the captives and for society at large. Prisoner exchanges remain a critical humanitarian issue within the ongoing conflict and demand sustained attention from the state.

Humanitarian Policy and Prisoners' Families

In Ukraine, securing the release of prisoners, especially those seized before the escalation of hostilities in 2022, is a cornerstone of humanitarian policy. Many families live in a state of agonizing uncertainty, waiting for news of their loved ones, which underscores the urgent need for state support and active efforts to repatriate all captives.

The recent exchange, while a joyous event for some families, leaves many questions unanswered regarding the fate of other Ukrainians still held prisoner.