Prisoners of War Address Russian President in Video Message
A group of Russian soldiers, held captive in Ukraine for periods ranging from 27 to 48 months, have released a video appeal directed at Russian President Vladimir Putin. In their message, they claim that Russia is refusing to conduct exchanges based on categories or an 'all for all' format, instead prioritizing the release of those who have spent less time in captivity. The head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, Kyrylo Budanov, has expressed hope for a prisoner swap to occur this week.
The video was published by the 'I Want to Live' project. One of the prisoners of war, Mykola Pushko, stated he has been a captive for 46 months. Dozens of prisoners in the video gave their names, years of birth, and time in captivity, which varies from 27 to 48 months. Among them are soldiers born in the 1970s, 1980s, and the year 2000.
“During our time in captivity, we have seen over 2,000 Russian soldiers pass through who were held for no more than a month, two, or half a year. But we have been forgotten,” said Mykola Pushko.
They also expressed a desire to return to their families and children, emphasizing that they are citizens of the Russian Federation and Russian soldiers who fought side by side.
“Russians don't abandon their own. When will we be exchanged, and what will our future fate be?”
The State of Prisoner Exchanges
On February 5, 157 Ukrainians were returned from Russian captivity, the majority of whom had been prisoners since 2022. The group freed on February 5 included members of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, the State Border Guard Service, and civilians. It is important to note that the Ukrainian side does not object to exchanges based on specific categories, which include:
- Career military personnel
- Mobilized personnel
- Conscripts
- Pilots
- Representatives of Chechen units
- Foreign mercenaries
This situation highlights the inherent complexity of prisoner swaps during the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. The video appeal underscores the profound human cost of the conflict, where the fates of individuals hinge on political decisions and diplomatic negotiations. While exchanges like the one on February 5 demonstrate that the process continues, they often remain a source of controversy and frustration for those left behind.