Russia starves most Ukrainian POWs, then “fattens” a few for exchange so they look normal, Ukrainian official says
Ukraine's intelligence confirms Russia is forming battalions from Ukrainian POWs and keeps cells where it feeds up prisoners.
Browsing Tag
prisoner exchange
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After four years in Russian captivity, 205 Ukrainian defenders are home in the first stage of a 1000-for-1000 exchange
Most of those freed were taken at Mariupol in 2022; the oldest is 62, the youngest 21. The exchange was mediated by the US and the UAE.
Russia tried to swap abducted Ukrainian children like POWs, Sybiha reveals
Sybiha rejects Russia's bid to swap abducted Ukrainian children for POWs. Only 2,000 of 20,000 home.
Talks continue on Trump-brokered prisoner exchange with Russia after Putin claimed that Kyiv was not ready for swap
Russia announced a ceasefire for 8–9 May — its own parade dates. Ukraine proposed starting earlier, on the night of 6 May. Russia violated it.
First glimpse in years— wife barely recognizes Ukrainian soldier after weight loss in Russia’s captivity
The family reunited again.
Ukraine eyes Easter prisoner swap as Budanov says negotiations are running daily
Since the full-scale invasion began, Ukraine has brought 8,669 prisoners home from Russia. Kyrylo Budanov wants to add to that number on 12 April — Orthodox Easter — and says everything necessary is being done to make it happen.
Iran hit Abu Dhabi but not the peace talks — Kyiv says the next Ukraine-Russia-US round is still days away
The Ukrainian president says the 5-6 March trilateral is on track — he prefers Geneva, though Austria, the Vatican, or Turkey are also options if Russia wants a neutral venue.
157 Ukrainians return from Russian captivity in first POW swap since October 2025 (PHOTOS)
Among those freed are wounded servicemembers from across Ukraine's military branches, with 139 of the released prisoners held in Russian captivity since 2022.
Russia “fattens up” tortured prisoners before exchanges to hide years of abuse, freed civilians say
Prisoners washed, fed, and warned not to bruise themselves—then traded back to Ukraine.
“I counted every single day”: 2025 Ukrainian POWs endured three years of Russian captivity — and finally came back home
185 soldiers and 20 civilians return from torture and darkness, greeted by tears, smiles, and the bitter weight of friends still imprisoned.
Kherson’s mayor who survives dog attacks and mock executions, reveals how he stayed loyal to his homeland in Russian captivity
While Russia presented collaboration as survival, Mykolaienko's refused to do it, despite enduring torture three times per day.
Crimean spy case prisoner beats death odds after seven-year Russian ordeal
Most Ukrainian face electric shock torture and starvation in Russian captivity.
Independence Day swap returns Ukrainian defenders from thousands who are still captive in Russia
These soldiers defended locations that defined Ukraine's resistance.
Seriously wounded Ukrainian POWs return home from Russian captivity filled with torture
The exchange on 4 July included soldiers captured during Mariupol siege in 2022 who spent over three years in Russian custody.
Some of these defenders were just 21 when captured in Mariupol—three years later they step back onto Ukrainian soil
One was guarding Chornobyl. Another fought in Sumy.
He endured what most wouldn’t survive: Ukraine returns its 60-year old warrior from Russian captivity
He spent years in a Russian cell and still made it back.
New prisoner exchange of seriously wounded: Ukrainian soldier celebrates birthday upon release from Russian captivity
All released personnel suffered from severe medical conditions including weight loss, dystrophy, ulcers, vision and digestive problems and cardiovascular diseases.
Umerov: Ukraine managed to return over 6,000 bodies of the dead, the fight for prisoners is ahead
Over 6,000 bodies of Ukrainian soldiers returned home following the completion of Istanbul agreement implementation, marking the end of this repatriation stage and the beginning of prisoner exchange efforts, according to Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
Putin “very nicely” wished Trump Happy Birthday over phone. They discussed Iran-Israel, Ukraine deferred
Putin told Trump that the Israel-Iran conflict should end, prompting the US leader to respond that "his war in Ukraine should also come to an end."
Ukraine begins long work of identification bodies of fallen soldiers returned from Russia
Ukraine receives 1,200 more fallen soldiers' bodies under Istanbul agreement. Forensic teams begin identification process to return dignity to defenders.