After Three Years in Captivity, Ukrainian Airport Defender Secures Passports for His Children

Vitalii’s Story: A Homecoming After Years of Ordeal

According to Державна міграційна служба: Vitalii, a veteran who fought to defend Donetsk International Airport, recently obtained international passports for his children at the Podilskyi branch of the Central Interregional Department of the State Migration Service of Ukraine in Kyiv. A father of five and an internally displaced person from the Pokrovsk district in Donetsk region, his life was profoundly altered by three and a half years of captivity that began in 2022.

He was released and returned home in June 2025 as part of a prisoner exchange, finally reuniting with his family. For the first time, he met his youngest child, who was born while he was still held captive. The fierce battles for Donetsk Airport raged from May 2014 to January 2015, leaving a lasting impact on countless Ukrainian soldiers and their loved ones.

New Horizons for the Family

Securing these passports marks a significant milestone for Vitalii and his children, granting them the ability to travel and seek safe passage abroad. Having endured immense hardship, Vitalii can now offer his family new opportunities and a brighter future.

This story highlights the critical importance of rebuilding family bonds and restoring opportunities for internally displaced people in Ukraine who have suffered the trauma of war. Obtaining foreign passports is not just a step toward normalcy; it also reflects progress in reclaiming the rights and freedoms of citizens affected by the conflict. It may serve as an inspiring example for others seeking ways to improve their families’ lives under difficult circumstances.