Dmytro Khyliuk: The Story of Survival and Resistance in Russian Captivity

Wed Oct 22 2025 21:33:53 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Ukrainian journalist Dmytro Khyliuk recounts his harrowing experience of three and a half years in Russian captivity, shedding light on the plight of detained civilians amidst the ongoing war.

Dmytro Khyliuk, a Ukrainian journalist, was held captive in Russia for three and a half years without any charges. Released recently in a prisoner swap, he shares his experiences of brutal treatment, the emotional toll on his family, and the ongoing struggle of many Ukrainian civilians who remain missing or imprisoned.

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 has been released in a prisoner swap, one of eight civilians freed in a surprise move.

While Russia and Ukraine have exchanged military prisoners before, it is extremely rare for Russia to release Ukrainian civilians. Dmytro has been catching up on everything he missed and calling the families of every Ukrainian he met in captivity, memorizing their names and details to offer some hope of confirmation that their relatives are alive.

In his hometown, people welcomed Dmytro's return with open arms. A crowd waved blue and yellow flags as buses carrying the released prisoners arrived, filled with soldiers and civilians, many of whom appeared emaciated after years of confinement. The details of his release remain somewhat murky, involving returning individuals whom Russia desired, including those evacuated when Ukraine launched its 2024 incursion.

Stepping off the bus, Dmytro's first call was to his mother, a moment overshadowed by his fear of never seeing her again. He reflects on his captivity, describing it as filled with brutal treatment. Transported painfully from facility to facility, he experienced beatings and constant psychological cruelty, including dog attacks. Throughout this time, he was never charged with a crime.

Upon his return, Dmytro's family had endured their own suffering, constantly fearing for his life during his absence. His parents live in a village outside Kyiv, where remnants of war are evident in their home. Dmytro recalls the anguish of being detained with his father—a shared trauma that had left his family devastated.

As families of the missing despair over the government’s inability to secure further exchanges, the anguish becomes palpable. Ukraine's human rights ombudsman emphasizes the plight of over 16,000 missing civilians and the complexity of negotiating their return without jeopardizing the lives of more captives.

Ultimately, Dmytro's resilience shines through his experiences, symbolizing the struggle against occupation and the emotional cost of conflict. As he reunites with family, he faces the challenge of adjusting back to a reality marred by war, loss, and uncertainty.