The mayor of Kherson has been included in the list for a major prisoner exchange
Ihor Kolykhaiev, the mayor of Kherson, who has been held captive by Russia since 2022, has been included on the lists for a “1,000 for 1,000” prisoner exchange. The information emerged following consultations with representatives of the Ombudsman’s Office and civil society organizations. There is no official confirmation of the final decision regarding the exchange yet.
Ihor Kolykhaiev, who served as mayor of Kherson and was abducted by Russian military forces during the city’s occupation in 2022, has been included in the list of individuals eligible for exchange under the large-scale “1,000 for 1,000” deal. This was reported by representatives of civil society organizations following discussions with the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets.
According to Viktor Gordienko, head of the Association of Farmers and Private Landowners of Kherson Oblast, official confirmation from state authorities regarding Kolykhaev’s future is expected. In a comment, he noted: “Official information regarding Igor Kolykhaev is expected from Kyiv in the near future.” The mayor of Kherson was abducted by Russian military forces in 2022 during the occupation of the city, after which he was held captive on Russian territory. Since then, information about his condition has come primarily from released Ukrainian servicemen and family members.
Late last year, the politician’s son, Svyatoslav Kolykhaev, reported that his father was being held in Russia’s Perm Krai and that his conditions of detention remained harsh. According to him, Kolykhaev had health issues and spent some time in a medical ward.
It is also known that, according to testimonies from Ukrainians returning from captivity, Kolykhaev may be held in a penal colony in the city of Kizel in the Perm region. Final details regarding his inclusion on exchange lists and possible release are currently being clarified.
Ukraine has managed to repatriate more than 9,000 of its citizens from Russian captivity, including both military personnel and hundreds of civilians. This was reported by Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, who emphasized that efforts to bring people home are ongoing.
In 2025, Ukraine recorded a record number of civilian deaths since the start of the full-scale war. According to official data, Russia remains the biggest violator of human rights, and the number of victims and the extent of destruction continue to rise.
