Ukrainians are yearning for a New Year prisoner exchange with Russia, as families of captured soldiers hold demonstrations for their loved ones’ release, reflecting on their struggles during the ongoing conflict.
Ukrainians Await Hopeful New Year Prisoner Exchange Amidst Ongoing Conflict
Ukrainians Await Hopeful New Year Prisoner Exchange Amidst Ongoing Conflict
As the New Year approaches, families in Ukraine cling to the hope of prisoner exchanges with Russia, amid challenging conditions on the battlefield.
Ukrainians across the nation are keeping their hopes alive for a prisoner exchange with Russia as New Year festivities approach. A representative from Ukraine's Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, Petro Yatsenko, has indicated to the BBC that discussions regarding these exchanges might conclude "any day," although last-minute cancellations are a possibility. The number of exchanges has considerably dropped in 2024 to just ten, the lowest since the onset of full-scale combat, as Russia's advances on the battlefield have complicated negotiations. Current estimates suggest there are over 8,000 Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia.
Reports from families reaffirm the grim situation, as many have loved ones serving on the frontlines or detained. Among them is Andriy Turas, a Ukrainian marine released in a recent exchange. He and his wife, Lena, shared their ordeal post-capture from Mariupol in 2022. Lena recounted the psychological tortures they faced, explaining how their captors attempted to erase their Ukrainian identity: "They held lectures with us about how Ukraine never existed." After only two weeks, Lena was freed, but the scars from their treatment remained. Andriy suffered through two-and-a-half years of horrific abuse, with both recalling beatings, inadequate food, and extreme psychological stress.
Their reunion came with profound emotional relief—Andriy met his son, Leon, shortly after his release, having missed the news of his birth during captivity. "I thought I was the happiest person in the world," he reflected on their first meeting. However, the joy was bittersweet as many other families cling to hope for similar reunions. In central Kyiv, relatives organized a Christmas demonstration advocating for the release of imprisoned soldiers, echoing their longing for freedom and normalcy. "I hope for a Christmas miracle," shared Tetiana, whose son has been detained for nearly three years.
Another emotional account came from Liliya Ivashchyk, a ballet dancer whose boyfriend was captured in 2022. Despite sending loving messages daily, she has had no recent contact. The holiday season serves as a painful reminder of those lost, as she performed with a heavy heart. "We must remember to thank our army for the fact that we have any holidays at all," she said, emphasizing the collective endurance of Ukrainians as they navigate the ongoing war, waiting for reunions and celebrations to become a reality again.
