Ukrainians hope for news of loved ones among POW swap with Russia

There is hope among the yearning tragedy, however.

Tanya ​​Shestak could not contain her glee when one of the soldiers recognized a picture of her father, Vova Shestak, who went missing 10 months ago in the eastern city of Pokrovsk.

“Today, a guy recognized his photo,” she said, wearing a broad smile. “Two days ago, he saw him in prison in Kalyniv or Kalyshiv. And he said that he’s alive and he’s a tough nut to crack.”

The families of Ukrainian detainees have had to rely on such hearsay about their loved ones. In November 2022, the early months of the war, United Nations investigators said Ukraine granted its teams access to the prisoners it had detained, whereas Russia refused.

Ukrainians said they were subjected to beatings, electric shocks and dog attacks by Russian authorities, not only to extract information but to intimidate and humiliate them. Russian prisoners also reported being tortured and badly treated, even witnessing summary executions, mostly when they were first captured or being transported to another location.

Ukraine has been guarded about the number of prisoners exchanged so far, citing the need to keep a close hold on details during the delicate exchanges.