The strongest emotions after being released from captivity arose when the former prisoners reached Ukrainian territory and saw familiar faces. This was shared in an interview with Espresso by former Kherson mayor Volodymyr Mykolayenko, who spent over three years in Russian captivity.
Source: “Espreso”
According to Mykolayenko, the first time he left his cell was on August 20. He and three other prisoners — journalists Dmytro Khilyuk, Yevhen Vovk, and Dmytro Yuzvak — were transferred to a so-called “portal cell,” where they were prepared for exchange. The prisoners were changed into new clothes, weighed, photographed, and forced to sign statements of no claims against Russia.
“We were expecting an exchange, but the next day we were again dressed in prisoner uniforms and returned to the cells. It was only a day of waiting, but I saw a guy who had been in a similar situation for 21 days — imagine his psychological state,” the former mayor shared.
On August 23, the prisoners were again prepared for the exchange: Mykolayenko, along with Dmytro Khilyuk, was sent to Moscow, where they were grouped with about 150 Ukrainian prisoners of war. On August 24, they were put on a plane and sent home.
“The most important moment was when we reached Ukrainian territory and saw familiar faces — representatives of government delegations, volunteers, and family. The feeling that we are all close people who understand, are proud of, and love each other,” Mykolayenko concluded.
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