**Ukraine Hopes for New Year Prisoner Exchange with Russia**
A Ukrainian official has said that a prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia could happen “any day”, but arrangements might fall through at the last minute. Petro Yatsenko, from Ukraine’s Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, made this statement to the BBC.
**Negotiations Have Become More Difficult**
Since Russian forces began making significant advances on the front line, negotiations with Moscow over prisoner swaps have become more difficult. There were only 10 exchanges in 2024, which is the lowest number since the full-scale invasion began. Ukraine does not publish numbers of prisoners of war being held by Russia, but it’s thought to be over 8,000.
**Ukrainian Prisoners Face Torture and Ill-Treatment**
Ukrainian prisoners have faced widespread and systematic torture and ill-treatment, including severe beatings, electric shocks, sexual violence, and forced excessive exercise. The UN has corroborated these allegations through interviews with hundreds of Ukrainian PoWs.
**Personal Stories of Captivity**
Andriy Turas, a Ukrainian marine, was captured while defending the city of Mariupol in 2022. He spent two-and-a-half years in captivity, during which time he experienced torture and humiliation. His wife, Lena, was released after two weeks but still suffers from psychological scars.
**Christmas Miracles**
Many Ukrainians are still waiting for news of their loved ones who are being held captive by Russia. Relatives and activists gathered in central Kyiv for a special Christmas demonstration to call for the release of Ukrainian prisoners. They hope for a “Christmas miracle” that will bring about the release of their loved ones.
**Theatre Performance**
Backstage at the Kyiv National Operetta Theatre, a ballet dancer named Liliya Ivashchyk performed a festive favourite, Johann Strauss’s Blue Danube Waltz. She and her boyfriend Bohdan were separated when he was captured by Russian forces in 2022. Liliya sends him messages every day, but they remain unread.
Read More @ www.bbc.com