Ukrainians are holding on to hope for a New Year’s prisoner exchange with Russia, which could bring home loved ones who have been fighting on the frontlines or held captive. Petro Yatsenko, from Ukraine’s Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, expressed optimism that a prisoner swap could happen soon, although negotiations with Moscow have become increasingly difficult.
The war has taken a devastating toll on Ukrainian families. Many have loved ones fighting on the frontlines or in captivity, with over 8,000 Ukrainians believed to be held as prisoners of war by Russia. The UN has reported widespread and systematic torture and ill-treatment of Ukrainian prisoners, including severe beatings, electric shocks, and sexual violence.
For families like the Turas, the prisoner exchanges offer a glimmer of hope. Andriy Turas, a Ukrainian marine, was captured by Russian forces in 2022 and held for two and a half years. He was released in a prisoner exchange in September and met his two-year-old son, Leon, for the first time. His wife, Lena, a combat medic, was also captured and released after two weeks, but the psychological scars of her experience remain.
As Ukrainians celebrate Christmas, many are struggling to keep the holiday spirit alive. Relatives and activists gathered in central Kyiv for a special Christmas demonstration, calling for the release of Ukrainian prisoners. Tetiana, whose 24-year-old son Artem was captured almost three years ago, said, “We hope for a Christmas miracle… My son’s release is my deepest wish.”
The struggle to cope with the emotional toll of the war is evident in the stories of Ukrainians like Liliya Ivashchyk, a ballet dancer whose boyfriend Bohdan was captured by Russian forces in 2022. She sends him messages every day, but they remain unread. “I miss him a lot,” she said. “He needs to be saved and have his freedom back.
