Over 9,000 Ukrainians Returned from Captivity: 96% Report Torture.

today, 08:12 262

today, 08:12 262

Return of Ukrainians from captivity

Ukrainians Freed from Russian Captivity

According to Espreso.tv: Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, more than 9,000 Ukrainians—both military personnel and civilians—have been brought back from Russia. Regular prisoner exchanges took place in 2026, including 193 in April, 205 in May, and 186 in June. According to reports, 96% of released Ukrainian captives stated they experienced torture or cruel treatment while detained. Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets has documented 695 distinct forms of torture employed by Russia. This staggering figure highlights the systematic abuse faced by prisoners of war and civilian detainees.

The Story of Andriy Kulko

The account of Andriy Kulko, originally from the Zaporizhzhia region, illustrates the severe hardships endured by many freed Ukrainian soldiers. On February 24, 2022, Andriy’s unit was deployed to reinforce positions near Mariupol, after which he spent over 600 days in Russian captivity—specifically between 621 and 631 days. He was initially held at the Olenivka colony and later transferred to a strict-regime juvenile correctional facility No. 10 in Mordovia. Andriy was finally released in 2024.

Reflecting on his time in captivity, Andriy stated:

“There was no sense of safety at all”

- Andriy Kulko. He described his life in confinement as

“frightening, in a single word”

- Andriy Kulko. Upon returning home, he experienced a mix of emotions: “Tears in my eyes. It was very, very wonderful. Yet everything felt hazy. I couldn’t fully believe it was real.”

Additionally, an SBU representative urged freed soldiers to exercise caution, remarking: “Guys, glory to Ukraine, but don’t shout, because they don’t like that.” This advice underscores the need for vigilance and gradual adjustment for those returning from captivity. Currently, released Ukrainians face numerous challenges in adapting to civilian life, particularly after the trauma they endured in detention.

The release of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians from Russian custody remains a critical humanitarian issue stemming from the conflict. Returning individuals who have survived torture require not only physical reintegration but also psychological support. It is essential that society and state institutions provide the necessary assistance to help these people transition to peaceful life and gradually overcome the injuries sustained during captivity.