Ukrainian Soldier Anton Voikov's 3.5-Year Ordeal in Captivity and His Path to Recovery

The Story of Anton Voikov

According to Главком: Anton Voikov, a Ukrainian sailor with the 36th Separate Marine Brigade, was captured by Russian forces on April 12, 2022, and held until his exchange on October 2, 2025. He had served since 2020, having previously worked as a gym trainer and holding the title of Master of Sports in powerlifting. The full-scale invasion caught his unit during a rotation near Mariupol, a city he described as 'simply on fire.' His story is one of thousands, highlighting the human cost of the ongoing conflict.

Conditions of Captivity and Service Risks

Voikov was initially held in a camp before being moved to a cell-type detention center. For three months, his cell was kept in complete darkness, a condition later eased to allow more light and brief walks. Voikov emphasized the stark contrast, stating 'these were two different captivities.' Following his release, he underwent surgery to correct a deviated septum and continues rehabilitation for his back and overall physical condition.

While Voikov recovers, Russian courts continue to prosecute other Ukrainian prisoners of war. For instance, the Southern District Military Court of the Russian Federation sentenced Denys Holub to 20 years in prison; Holub is listed as missing in action by Ukrainian authorities since May 17, 2022. A military court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced nine Ukrainians to 14-20 years, while two servicemen from the 12th 'Azov' Brigade received sentences of 24 and 26 years.

'We had to get down. Oleg, let's get down. Just as we descend, a strike hits exactly where we were sitting. Right on the roof. It would have split us into atoms.' Anton Voikov

The plight of Ukrainian POWs remains a critical humanitarian issue, with numerous trials and lengthy sentences in Russia raising severe concerns. Exchanges like Voikov's demonstrate ongoing, though difficult, efforts to bring soldiers home. These accounts underscore not only personal tragedies but also the war's profound and lasting impact on Ukrainian society and its defenders.