Kherson Mayor Kolykhayev Officially Added to '1,000-for-1,000' Prisoner Exchange List

Prisoner Swap: Ihor Kolykhayev Makes the Exchange Roster

According to Главком: Ihor Kolykhayev, the mayor of Kherson who has been held captive by Russian forces since 2022, has been formally placed on the list for a prisoner exchange under the '1,000-for-1,000' framework. Viktor Hordiienko, head of the Kherson Region Association of Farmers and Private Landowners, disclosed this information following a conversation with Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine's parliamentary commissioner for human rights.

Kolykhayev remained in Kherson after Russia launched its full-scale invasion and occupied the city. He was abducted by Russian troops in June 2022 while visiting a municipal utility company. Late last year, his son Sviatoslav Kolykhayev reported that his father was being held in Russia's Perm Krai region. According to the son, the mayor had been beaten, suffered from health issues, and spent time in a medical unit. Testimony from Ukrainians freed from Russian captivity suggests Kolykhayev may be detained in a penal colony in the town of Kizel, Perm Krai.

Negotiations and Their Impact

The prisoner exchange was made possible through talks facilitated by the United States. Ukraine submitted a list of 1,000 prisoners to the Russian side, compiled based on the duration of their captivity. Both Ukrainian and Russian officials have repeatedly agreed on the principle of prioritizing captives who have spent the longest time in detention.

"Official information from Kyiv regarding Ihor Kolykhayev is expected in the near future," - Viktor Hordiienko

The inclusion of Ihor Kolykhayev on the exchange list marks steady progress in negotiations to bring Ukrainian citizens back from Russian captivity. This development could be a significant step not only for his family but also for boosting the morale of other prisoners and their loved ones. As exchanges continue, it remains crucial to monitor further updates that could shape the trajectory of these efforts and improve human rights conditions amid the conflict.

The recent addition of Ihor Kolykhayev to the prisoner exchange list highlights ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. This development comes on the heels of Ukraine's submission of a comprehensive roster of captives, aimed at facilitating the return of those held for extended periods. For more details on the submitted list and its implications, see Ukraine's recent prisoner list submission.