Ukraine SWAPS 307 POWs – Families in TEARS

Over 300 Ukrainian prisoners of war reunite with families in historic exchange with Russia, bringing both tears of joy and continued uncertainty for those still waiting for news of loved ones.

At a Glance

• Ukraine and Russia exchanged 307 soldiers each, part of a larger agreement to release 1,000 prisoners of war
• The exchange marks the largest prisoner swap since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022
• Families like Iryna Mylto’s experienced emotional reunions after nearly 18 months of separation
• Reports of torture in Russian detention have been documented by UN investigators
• Many Ukrainian families continue to wait for news about loved ones still missing or unaccounted for

Historic Prisoner Exchange Brings Hope

In a rare moment of cooperation amid ongoing conflict, Ukraine and Russia completed a major prisoner exchange involving 307 soldiers from each side. The swap represents the largest such exchange since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. 

This prisoner release forms part of a broader agreement between the two nations to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war, offering a brief humanitarian respite in an otherwise intensifying conflict. Both countries are believed to hold thousands of prisoners, with many families desperate for information about their loved ones’ whereabouts and condition.

Ukrainian military authorities restricted media coverage during the exchange to protect the returning soldiers’ privacy and prevent potentially traumatizing questions. Many of the released Ukrainian prisoners required immediate medical attention upon their return, highlighting the difficult conditions they endured while in captivity. The exchange occurred in multiple stages, with buses transporting the freed prisoners to hospitals where they could receive proper care before reuniting with their families.

Emotional Reunions After Months of Uncertainty

For 28-year-old Iryna Mylto, the exchange brought unexpected joy after nearly a year and a half of agonizing uncertainty. Her father, Serhii Hrom, had been imprisoned in Russia since the conflict escalated. Initially, Hrom wasn’t included on the list of prisoners scheduled for release, leaving Mylto with only the hope of receiving any information about his condition. She had traveled to a hospital where returning prisoners were being treated, hoping someone might have news about her father.

In a dramatic turn of events, Mylto received word from a Ukrainian official that her father had been released and was on his way to the hospital. The news came as a complete surprise, transforming her information-seeking visit into a joyful reunion. Though Hrom appeared pale and thin, he managed to smile and wave to his daughter from a hospital window. The family’s priority now shifts to supporting his recovery and helping him readjust to life after captivity.

Continued Concerns About Prisoner Treatment

Reports of mistreatment in Russian detention facilities have raised serious humanitarian concerns. A United Nations commission has documented evidence of torture against Ukrainian civilians and soldiers held by Russian forces. These findings align with testimonies from previously released prisoners who have described harsh conditions and abusive treatment. For families of those still in captivity, these reports intensify their anxiety and desperation for their loved ones’ return.

While the exchange brought relief to hundreds of families, many others continue to wait for news. Veronika Kulakova represents countless Ukrainians still searching for information about missing relatives. The Ukrainian government maintains efforts to locate and secure the release of all its citizens held by Russia, though the process remains complicated by ongoing hostilities and limited communication channels. This prisoner exchange, while significant, underscores the vast humanitarian challenge that persists as the conflict continues with no clear resolution in sight.