POWs
“We are all significantly falling short,” Denys Prokopenko comments on the 75th prisoner exchange
On June 5, 2026, the 75th prisoner exchange took place. As part of the exchange, 185 prisoners of war and one civilian – who had been held captive by the Russians since 2022 – returned to Ukraine. This was reported by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, which expressed gratitude to the United States and the UAE for their assistance in organizing the exchange.
“Honorable Captivity” of Azov: Civic Evidence Publishes Report on the Fate of Azov Fighters in Russian Captivity
The independent initiative Civic Evidence has released a comprehensive report titled “‘Honorable Captivity’ of Azov: The System of Propaganda, Violence, and Criminal Prosecution of Servicemembers of the National Guard of Ukraine in the Russian Federation.” The report details the fate of the «Azov» service members in Russian captivity, illustrating how propaganda narratives, systemic violence, and the Russian judicial system cooperate to construct a negative image of the fighters and justify their heinous mistreatment.
“Made in Russia. Delivered to Captivity”: Project on Russia’s Crimes Against POWs Presented in Kyiv
The project "Made in Russia. Delivered to Captivity" was presented in Kyiv. The event marks the 4th anniversary of the Mariupol garrison's withdrawal from "Azovstal" after 86 days of heroic defense of the city. Back then, under the provided guarantees, the defenders of Mariupol fulfilled the order of the higher command to save lives. However, the Russian Federation violated these guarantees—the majority of the "Azovstal" defenders are now in their fifth year of suffering from daily crimes in Russian captivity.
Azov medic Oleksandr Krokhmaliuk tortured to death in captivity
Another Ukrainian prisoner of war has died in Russian captivity — Oleksandr Krokhmaliuk, a military medic of the Azov brigade, died as a result of torture. This was reported by Azov deputy commander Sviatoslav "Kalyna" Palamar. Krokhmaliuk joined Azov back in 2016.
Amnesty International Report: Executions and Torture of Ukrainian Prisoners of War Continue
Amnesty International has published its annual report on the human rights situation in the world for 2025. The section on Ukraine highlights, among other things, that Ukrainian prisoners of war and detained civilians were subjected to torture and ill-treatment while in Russian captivity. The organization notes that as of December 10, 2025, the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine had recorded 322 cases of execution of captured Ukrainian servicemembers by Russian forces.
Second Stage of the Easter Prisoner Exchange: 193 Ukrainians Home
On April 24, 2026, the second stage of the Easter prisoner of war exchange between Ukraine and Russia took place, resulting in the return of 193 Ukrainian defenders. These are representatives of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including a significant number of paratroopers. Also returning home are fighters from the Naval Forces, Territorial Defense Forces, National Guard of Ukraine, National Police, State Border Guard Service, and the State Special Transport Service.
Pre-Easter Exchange: 182 Ukrainians Return from Captivity
On April 11, 2026, on the eve of Eastern Christian Easter, Ukraine managed to return 172 servicemen and 7 civilians from Russian captivity. Among those released are privates, sergeants, and officers, the majority of whom were taken prisoner as far back as 2022. The youngest of the freed is 22 years old, while the oldest has turned 63. Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets noted that those returned are in serious condition, suffering from injuries and severe psychological distress.
Rostov Court sentences three more «Azov» prisoners of war
The Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, has handed down verdicts against three prisoners of war from the «Azov» Brigade who defended the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol. This was reported by Mediazona. All three prisoners of war face charges related to their service in «Azov», which Russia has designated a terrorist organization.
UN Commission: Russia’s unlawful trials of Ukrainians constitute war crimes
Fabricated evidence, unfair trials, testimonies extracted under torture, and other serious violations have been documented by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine. The Commission examined trials conducted by the Russian Federation in the context of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and concluded that Russian courts have violated international humanitarian law, which constitutes a war crime.
questions & answers
You can make a difference
Have a question, a message, or something important to share?
Whether it’s information, a concern, or a word of support, we want to hear from you.
Every voice matters.