After 38 Months in Chechen Captivity, a Soldier Returns Home: New Revelations and the Creation of a Special Ambassador Role

The Homecoming of Denys Yeromov

According to Главком: Denys Yeromov, a soldier from the 10th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade 'Edelweiss,' was released and returned to Ukraine on April 24, 2026, following 38 months of captivity in Chechnya. During his time as a prisoner, he endured harsh conditions. For the first year and a half, he was held in facilities lacking basic sanitation. Initially, prisoners were allowed to bathe once every two weeks, and later, once a week. Eventually, they were moved to a renovated space with modern amenities, where the conditions improved significantly.

'Later, we were transferred to a place with a European-style renovation. Kadyrov brought a large TV, they set up internet access, and gave us books. There were showers and proper food. We weren't mistreated or abused. The conditions allowed us to survive and maintain our health,' Denys Yeromov

Throughout his entire captivity, he was only permitted one short video call to his father.

Prisoner Exchanges and Updates on Soldiers

On that same day, April 24, a prisoner exchange took place, freeing six of his fellow Edelweiss comrades. Reports also emerged about a 29-year-old soldier, Bohdan Atamansky, who had his legs amputated after being tortured while in captivity. Atamansky was held in a cage for two weeks while outdoor temperatures dropped to minus 10 degrees Celsius. This occurred in 2024, and after the surgery, he was treated in a hospital in the Kursk region. In 2025, Atamansky was returned home during one of the exchanges. It is known that he had signed a contract with the 82nd Separate Air Assault Bukovyna Brigade.

Additionally, Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established a new position: Ambassador-at-Large for Prisoners of War, Detained Civilians, and Missing Persons. Dmytro Ponomarenko, who previously served as Ukraine's ambassador to South Korea and concurrently to Mongolia, has been appointed to this role. It is worth noting that relatives of missing persons are legally entitled to a deferment from mobilization.

The return of Denys Yeromov and other soldiers from captivity underscores the critical role of humanitarian exchanges in the context of the conflict in Ukraine. The creation of this new diplomatic post highlights the growing focus on the plight of prisoners of war and civilians held in difficult circumstances. These developments help broaden international dialogue on human rights and the improvement of detention conditions, a vital issue for Ukraine and its citizens.

The return of Denys Yeromov highlights not only the personal stories of resilience but also the broader implications for the treatment of former captives. In a similar vein, medical teams are preparing special meals for soldiers and civilians returning from captivity, ensuring their transition back to normalcy is as smooth as possible. This reflects a growing recognition of the need to support those who have endured such hardships.