Dmytro Khyliuk: A Ukrainian Journalist’s Ordeal in Russian Captivity

Tue Sep 16 2025 11:31:34 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a harrowing account, Ukrainian journalist Dmytro Khyliuk shares his experience of being detained for three and a half years in Russia without charges, the physical and psychological toll of captivity, and the struggles of families waiting for their loved ones.

Ukraine's Dmytro Khyliuk, captured during Russia's invasion, spent over three years in harsh captivity without being charged with a crime. His release marks a rare event for civilians, as he now grapples with the trauma of his experience and connects with the families of fellow detainees, highlighting the continued suffering of many still unaccounted for.

Dmytro Khyliuk: A Ukrainian Journalist’s Ordeal in Russian Captivity

Since his release from a Russian prison, Dmytro Khyliuk has barely been off the phone.

The Ukrainian journalist was detained by Russian forces in the early days of their full-scale invasion. Three and a half years later, he was released in a surprising prisoner swap, alongside seven other civilians. Unlike previous exchanges focused on military personnel, this swap highlights the plight of civilian captives in the ongoing conflict.

The Welcome Home

Celebrations erupted as Dmytro returned home with a group of 146 Ukrainians, drawing a crowd waving flags and cheering. Despite returning as part of a larger group, the odds for civilian captives are often drastically different compared to their military counterparts, with few civilians freed in exchanges.

Facing Cruelty

In his first interview after release, Dmytro shared chilling details of his time in prison, describing beatings and psychological torture. He recalled being moved violently while guards shouted accusations, underscoring a pattern of cruelty that he and others endured in captivity, yet he was consistently denied any formal charges.

The Ongoing Crisis

As Dmytro reconnects with friends and families, he is also grappling with the reality that over 16,000 civilians remain missing in Ukraine, with only a fraction being located.

Families like Vera's, whose husband Volodymyr remains unaccounted for, express frustration at the government's inability to negotiate the return of their loved ones.

A Fragmented Reality

Back at home, Dmytro’s family is hopeful to reunite, yet the familiar landscape now feels marked by the conflict. As he adjusts to civilian life post-detention, he confronts both the joyful and tragic realities of a war that reshaped their lives.

For many like Dmytro, the struggle continues, as they navigate a world forever altered by conflict.