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Ukrainian Man Released After Three Years of Captivity

11/30/2025

26 3 Full Breakdown

Center

Akhmetov's Captivity Release

Serhiy Akhmetov, a 50-year-old from Bucha, Ukraine, was detained by Russian soldiers on March 9, 2022, during the invasion.
After more than three years in various Russian and Belarusian facilities, he was released in a prisoner swap in October.
Akhmetov described beatings, food shortages, and isolation during captivity.
Upon release, he was welcomed back to Ukraine as the national anthem played.

Left

Zakhozhyi's Captivity Struggle

Mykola Zakhozhyi, a Kyiv father, left his home to investigate the Russian invasion and did not return for months.
His wife, Iryna, and their children were left in shock, asking about his whereabouts.
Zakhozhyi eventually returned and described captivity in which he faced torture, starvation, and beatings.
His story reflects the plight of prisoners held by enemy forces, with few released and many subjected to severe abuse.

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Akhmetov's Captivity Release

Serhiy Akhmetov, a 50-year-old from Bucha, Ukraine, was detained by Russian soldiers on March 9, 2022, during the invasion.
After more than three years in various Russian and Belarusian facilities, he was released in a prisoner swap in October.
Akhmetov described beatings, food shortages, and isolation during captivity.
Upon release, he was welcomed back to Ukraine as the national anthem played.

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