Surviving the Shadows: A Journalist's Harrowing Tale of Captivity in Russia

Thu Oct 16 2025 12:35:26 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Dmytro Khyliuk, a Ukrainian journalist held for three and a half years in Russian captivity without charges, shares his traumatic experiences of abuse and survival amid the ongoing conflict.

After a grueling three and a half years of captivity in Russia, Ukrainian journalist Dmytro Khyliuk was unexpectedly freed in a recent prisoner exchange. His haunting account reveals the relentless cruelty faced by captives, the fears of his family during his absence, and the stark realities of post-prison life in a war-torn Ukraine. As he reunites with his loved ones, the broader issue of missing civilians in Ukraine remains a grim reminder of the ongoing conflict.

Surviving the Shadows: A Journalist's Harrowing Tale of Captivity in Russia

Dmytro Khyliuk, a Ukrainian journalist, found himself in the shadows of Russian prisons from the initial days of the large-scale invasion. He spent three and a half years in captivity without ever facing any charges, revealing the traumatic experiences he endured during that time.

Upon his release as part of a prisoner swap, Dmytro has now been tirelessly reconnecting with family and friends, as well as the families of those he met in captivity. Each call he makes carries the potential to bring hope to families still in anguish over their loved ones' fates.

The Welcome Home

The moment of Dmytro's return to Ukraine was celebrated widely. As he stepped off the bus amid a crowd of cheering supporters, his first call was to his elderly mother, who had feared for his safety throughout his imprisonment.

Contrary to typical prisoner exchanges that often involve military personnel, Dmytro's return included civilians, shedding light on the complex nature of prisoner exchanges in this ongoing conflict.

Constant Cruelty

Sharing details chillingly reminiscent of horror stories, Dmytro's account of his captivity highlights the brutal reality faced by prisoners. He described being beaten, starved, and constantly subjected to psychological and physical torment. Not only did he suffer alone, but witnessed the far worse treatment endured by soldiers held alongside him.

A Family's Fear

His family's emotional turmoil during his imprisonment was palpable. They lived with the constant dread of not knowing his fate, only receiving brief, hopeful messages from Dmytro. The story of his abduction parallels that of many other civilians drawn into this cruel conflict, where families struggle to find closure for their missing loved ones.

Ukraine's Missing

The plight of families of the missing civilians continues to grow, with more than 16,000 Ukrainians reported missing since the onset of hostilities. This grim statistic showcases a relentless struggle impacting countless lives.

Lasting Damage

As Dmytro readjusts to life back in his home village, the stark contrast between the familiar surroundings and the reality of a devastated country weighs heavily on him. He acknowledges that while he has returned, the pain of loss and uncertainty lingers in the air.

The ongoing conflict and its complexities make the path to healing for many families uncertain, with Dmytro's return serving as a beacon of hope amid the shadows.