Why Was He Held in Russia for Three Years Without Charges?

Ukrainian journalist Dmytro Khyliuk, recently released from a Russian prison after three and a half years, is now reconnecting with loved ones and sharing crucial updates about other detainees. His release marks a rare instance of civilian swaps amid a backdrop of ongoing conflict, drawing attention to the plight of many missing civilians in Ukraine.

Last updated: 05 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Dmytro Khyliuk was detained during the early days of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
• He has begun reaching out to families of fellow detainees, providing crucial updates.
• There are over 16,000 missing civilians in Ukraine, with only a small number located in Russian prisons.
• Swapping civilian detainees for military prisoners is a complex issue under international law.
• Dmytro's release offers a glimmer of hope but highlights the ongoing suffering of many families.

A Gripping Tale of Captivity

Since his release, Dmytro has been inundated with phone calls, not only from friends and family but also from the families of other Ukrainian detainees. During his time in captivity, he made it a point to memorise the names and details of those he met, understanding that for many, his call could be the first sign of life they have received from their loved ones.

The release of Dmytro and three other civilians in a surprise prisoner swap has sparked celebrations across Ukraine. Dmytro was part of a larger group of 146 prisoners whose return was met with jubilant crowds waving blue and yellow flags, celebrating their freedom after enduring the harsh realities of captivity.

Details of the Prisoner Exchange

The specifics of the exchange involving civilians remain murky. Official sources have disclosed little about how the swap was negotiated, only stating it involved returning "people Russia was interested in." Speculations suggest that some of these individuals were residents from the Kursk region of Russia, evacuated during Ukraine's military actions earlier this year.

Life After Release

Upon stepping off the bus, Dmytro's first call was to his mother. Both of his parents are elderly and in poor health, and the fear of never seeing them again haunted him during his detention. "The hardest was not knowing when you'll be allowed back," he shared, expressing the uncertainty faced by many detainees.

Chilling Accounts from Captivity

In a recent interview, Dmytro recounted the harrowing details of his experience in a Russian prison. "They grabbed us and literally dragged us to the prison and on the way they beat us with rubber batons shouting things like, 'How many people have you killed?'" he explained, reflecting the brutality he and others faced during their transfer to Russia.

His account highlights the inhumane treatment endured by many civilians and military personnel alike. Dmytro described being bitten by dogs and suffering from severe malnutrition, losing over 20 kg in the first few months. He recalled the torment faced by soldiers in the prison, who were subjected to beatings and electric shocks during interrogations.

The Reality of Dmytro's Home

Dmytro's family home in the village of Kozarovychi, just outside Kyiv, stands in stark contrast to the violence he experienced. While the village appears peaceful, the scars of war are evident. Shrapnel scars the back wall of Dmytro's house, and the lawn bears evidence of a tank that once parked there during the invasion.

As he and his father attempted to assess the damage to their property shortly after the invasion began, they were apprehended by Russian troops. Dmytro’s father, Vasyl, was eventually released, but he endured a long period of uncertainty regarding his son's fate. "I didn't know where he'd been taken and I was scared," he recalled, describing the fear that gripped him during the nights filled with gunfire.

The Plight of Missing Civilians

Currently, over 16,000 civilians are reported missing in Ukraine, with only a fraction located in Russian prisons. The situation is complicated by the fact that Moscow does not publish lists of detainees, making it nearly impossible for families to understand the status of their loved ones. As a result, many families are left in anguish, waiting for news that may never come.

Volodymyr Loburets, another civilian detained alongside Dmytro, remains in captivity. His wife Vera describes the emotional toll of her husband's absence, stating, "It's hard. It's really hard." While she welcomes the birth of their new grandson, the absence of her husband casts a shadow over the joy.

Complexities of Negotiating Prisoner Swaps

Ukraine's human rights ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets, has drawn attention to the challenges faced in negotiating prisoner swaps. He likened dealing with Russia to a game of chess, where Ukraine adheres to the rules, only for Russia to disregard them entirely. The lack of legal mechanisms to secure the return of civilian detainees complicates matters significantly.

In an effort to secure the release of civilians, there have been instances of swaps involving people detained for collaborating with Russian forces. However, these occurrences are not widespread, and the government has made it clear that it will not exchange civilians for Russian soldiers, further complicating the path to securing freedom for those still held.

Reuniting with Family

Dmytro's family eagerly awaits his return home, with his mother Halyna joking about the long list of chores she has for him. Despite the joy of his release, Dmytro has expressed an awareness of the changes that have occurred during his absence. "I knew the war was still going on, but not that they were bombarding Kyiv with drones," he reflected, highlighting the stark reality he faces as he tries to adjust to life back home.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Struggles

While Dmytro's release is a beacon of hope, it underscores the ongoing struggles faced by countless families in Ukraine. The complex nature of prisoner swaps, the rising number of missing civilians, and the emotional toll on families serve as reminders of the war's impact. As Dmytro reconnects with his family, the plight of those still in captivity lingers on, casting a long shadow over the celebrations of freedom.

As the conflict continues, how will Ukraine navigate the complexities of negotiating for its civilians? The fate of thousands remains uncertain, and the question of how to seek justice for those still held captive looms large. #Ukraine #PrisonerSwap #DmytroKhyliuk

FAQs

What happened to Dmytro Khyliuk?

Dmytro Khyliuk, a Ukrainian journalist, was released from a Russian prison after being detained for three and a half years during the invasion. His release was part of a rare civilian prisoner swap.

How many civilians are currently missing in Ukraine?

Currently, over 16,000 civilians are reported missing in Ukraine, with only a small number located in Russian prisons. Many families remain in anguish without news of their loved ones.

Why are civilian prisoner swaps complicated?

Swapping civilian detainees for military prisoners is complex due to international laws, particularly under the Geneva Convention. Ukraine cannot exchange civilians for Russian soldiers, which complicates negotiations.

What has been the impact of Dmytro's release?

Dmytro's release has brought joy to his family and sparked celebrations across Ukraine. However, it also highlights the ongoing struggles faced by many families still searching for missing loved ones.

What conditions did Dmytro Khyliuk face in prison?

During his detention, Dmytro experienced severe malnutrition, physical abuse, and psychological torment. He lost significant weight and witnessed the brutal treatment of fellow detainees.