Ukrainian defenders returned from captivity bearing signs of torture and injuries

As part of the latest prisoner exchange, 193 Ukrainian servicemen who had been held in Chechnya and were in extremely poor physical condition have returned home. Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported that the released servicemen show clear signs of exhaustion, chronic illnesses, and injuries sustained while in captivity. 

The Office of the Ombudsman of Ukraine reports on the critical health condition of the soldiers and the need for long-term rehabilitation.

Most of the returned fighters, including members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Territorial Defense Forces, the National Guard, and border guards, have not been officially confirmed by the International Committee of the Red Cross. Law enforcement officers and medical personnel documented instances of mistreatment on site, which requires immediate medical treatment and psychological support for all released soldiers. One of the defenders had official status as missing in action prior to the exchange, while others were considered prisoners of war only according to alternative sources.

Most of those rescued from Russian captivity are enlisted personnel and non-commissioned officers aged 23 to 59. Work on this exchange took a long time due to the complexity of negotiations with the Chechen side and the concealment of information regarding the Ukrainians’ whereabouts. Currently, all soldiers are undergoing initial medical examinations and preparing for further rehabilitation. State authorities continue to gather evidence of torture and violations of the Geneva Conventions by the aggressor.

As a reminder, Ukraine conducted another prisoner exchange, resulting in the return of 193 Ukrainian servicemen.

All 11 Ukrainian prisoners of war whom Russia transferred to Hungary in 2023 subsequently left the country. Most of them returned to Ukraine, while the rest moved to other countries. 

Ukraine and Russia conducted a new prisoner exchange on the eve of Easter, but they were unable to agree on a larger number of releases. Kyiv states that it proposed expanding the lists, but the Russian side refused. Despite this, Ukraine expects the exchanges to continue.