BBC reports that many Ukrainians have family members fighting on the frontline or held in captivity. A Ukrainian official expressed hope for a New Year prisoner exchange with Russia, but cautioned that arrangements could still fall through. Negotiations for swaps have become more challenging as Russian forces make advances on the front line, with only 10 exchanges in 2024 – the lowest since the invasion began. While Ukraine does not disclose the number of prisoners held by Russia, estimates suggest it exceeds 8,000.
One released captive, Ukrainian marine Andriy Turas, shared his harrowing experience of being held captive with his wife Lena, who was also captured defending their city in 2022. Lena recalled the attempts to erase their Ukrainian identity by their Russian captors, while Andriy described the brutal treatment they endured, including physical abuse and appalling living conditions.
Andriy’s release in September allowed him to meet his two-year-old son for the first time, a son he did not know he had due to Lena’s pregnancy during their captivity. The couple’s emotional reunion and struggle to rebuild their lives reflect the deep impact of the conflict on families torn apart by war.
Despite the challenges they face, Andriy and Lena’s story is just one of many, as countless Ukrainians continue to wait anxiously for news of their loved ones held captive. Families and activists gather in Kyiv to demand the release of Ukrainian prisoners, hoping for a Christmas miracle that will reunite them with their missing relatives. Among them is Liliya, a ballet dancer whose boyfriend was captured in 2022, and who sends him messages of love and hope every day, longing for his freedom and safe return.
As Ukraine grapples with the ongoing conflict and the toll it takes on families like Andriy and Lena’s, the resilience and determination of those waiting for their loved ones to come home is a poignant reminder of the human cost of war. Nach fast drei Jahren Krieg hat hier fast jeder einen geliebten Menschen, der an vorderster Front kämpft, in Gefangenschaft ist oder im Kampfe gefallen ist.
„Viele Menschen in der Ukraine stehen vor schwierigen Situationen“, sagt Liliya. „Wir warten nur auf die Zeit, wenn wir wieder zusammen feiern können. Wir müssen uns daran erinnern, unserer Armee dafür zu danken, dass wir überhaupt noch Feiertage haben.“
Die Ukrainer kämpfen darum, den Weihnachtsgeist am Leben zu erhalten