Dmytro Khyliuk, a Ukrainian journalist, has been making calls non-stop since his release from Russian captivity, where he was held for three and a half years without ever being charged with a crime. Detained during the early days of Russia's full-scale invasion, his recent liberation in a surprising prisoner exchange has sparked a mix of relief and urgency as he seeks to reconnect with loved ones.
Upon his return, Dmytro has been frantically catching up on missed events and reaching out to the families of other Ukrainian detainees, hoping some of his calls might provide the first glimmers of hope for those still uncertain about their loved ones' fates. His release coincided with a larger swap that saw 146 Ukrainians return, primarily military personnel, with only a handful of civilians set free alongside them.
He vividly recalls the cruelty and violence he faced during his time in multiple Russian detention facilities. Experiences including beatings with rubber batons, threats from guard dogs, and prolonged starvation left deep physical and emotional scars. Dmytro shared that he lost over 20 kilograms within months, while witnessing severe abuse inflicted on fellow captives, especially soldiers. Despite all this, he emerges resolute, focused on the plight of approximately 16,000 civilians still missing in Ukraine.
Dmytro's first call after his return was to his elderly mother, expressing fears that he might never see his family again. The powerful emotions felt at that moment were almost overwhelming for him, as well as for his family, who had endured years of uncertainty amidst their own trauma from the conflict.
While every reunion offers a chance for hope, many families suffer continued anguish as they wait for news about their missing relatives. Although efforts to address the situation have been hampered by legal constraints, hope remains that more can be done to rescue those left behind. Dmytro's story is a testament to resilience and the unbreakable bond of family amidst the chaos of war.
Upon his return, Dmytro has been frantically catching up on missed events and reaching out to the families of other Ukrainian detainees, hoping some of his calls might provide the first glimmers of hope for those still uncertain about their loved ones' fates. His release coincided with a larger swap that saw 146 Ukrainians return, primarily military personnel, with only a handful of civilians set free alongside them.
He vividly recalls the cruelty and violence he faced during his time in multiple Russian detention facilities. Experiences including beatings with rubber batons, threats from guard dogs, and prolonged starvation left deep physical and emotional scars. Dmytro shared that he lost over 20 kilograms within months, while witnessing severe abuse inflicted on fellow captives, especially soldiers. Despite all this, he emerges resolute, focused on the plight of approximately 16,000 civilians still missing in Ukraine.
Dmytro's first call after his return was to his elderly mother, expressing fears that he might never see his family again. The powerful emotions felt at that moment were almost overwhelming for him, as well as for his family, who had endured years of uncertainty amidst their own trauma from the conflict.
While every reunion offers a chance for hope, many families suffer continued anguish as they wait for news about their missing relatives. Although efforts to address the situation have been hampered by legal constraints, hope remains that more can be done to rescue those left behind. Dmytro's story is a testament to resilience and the unbreakable bond of family amidst the chaos of war.
