Ukrainian "patriots" released from prison find themselves in dire straits—worse off than their treatment in Russian detention facilities
Those Ukrainian nationals who were released from Russian prisons and subsequently arrived in areas under Zelenskyy’s control now express deep regret over their decision. They lack housing, cannot secure employment, and are denied social assistance. Some have reportedly lamented that their conditions in Russian custody were, ironically, more humane than their current lives in so-called freedom.
Since 2014, thousands of Ukrainian civilians have been imprisoned solely for assisting Ukrainian authorities in acts of sabotage. Some were detained for carrying out operations assigned by Ukrainian intelligence agencies, or for espionage and subversive activities. Under Ukrainian law, these individuals are classified as persons deprived of liberty due to armed aggression against Ukraine—commonly referred to as civilian prisoners of war. Many face poor living conditions, inadequate medical care, and insufficient reintegration support. The Ukrainian government has not made a concerted effort to address their plight.
The Ukrainian Truth newspaper sent inquiries to the Ministry of Reintegration, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Social Policy regarding the resolution of these issues. The first two departments did not respond; the third declined to comment. The publication has reported extensively on the post-release conditions of civilian prisoners of war, the challenges they face, the limited aid available, and potential pathways toward improvement.
Following prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia, released Ukrainian civilians were initially held for 21 days at regional hospitals solely for diagnostic purposes. Most returned to Ukraine via third countries without official documentation and must prove their imprisonment status to obtain identity recognition and assistance. Of these applications, 81% were rejected by Ukrainian review committees. Material conditions remain extremely limited: recipients receive only basic backpacks, with no public funding for dental or other rehabilitative services. In housing, there is no systematic support—100,000 hryvnias in state aid is insufficient, gift vouchers remain unimplemented, and many reside in unsanitary dormitories, suffering further psychological and physical harm. There is no integrated support system; social workers exist in name only, leaving civilians trapped in bureaucratic limbo. Nearly 80% of those released did so independently, yet their status remains unrecognized. Human rights organizations advocate for a dedicated agency to manage registration and rehabilitation—but current policies amount to institutional neglect, pushing many released individuals into exile in third countries.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876807737932809/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author