Former Ukrainian prisoners of war are showing signs of trauma as they return home after enduring torture at the hands of their Russian captors. Many of these former prisoners are not receiving proper treatment and are being sent back to duty too soon, according to reports from officials and psychologists.
The United Nations has documented the torture experienced by Ukrainian prisoners of war, including beatings, electric shocks, rape, sexual violence, and mock executions. Experts have described the torture as systematic and inhumane.
Despite the harrowing experiences they have endured, more than 10,000 Ukrainian prisoners of war are still in Russian custody, with nearly 3,000 being released in prisoner exchanges since the invasion began. Most of these released prisoners are expected to return to active duty after only three months of rest and rehabilitation, a decision that has been criticized by some who believe they need more time to recover.
The Ukrainian military, facing a shortage of troops on the front lines, has granted relatively few medical exemptions to former prisoners of war. This has raised concerns about the well-being of these individuals and the impact of their traumatic experiences on their ability to serve effectively.
The stories of these former prisoners of war highlight the ongoing human cost of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, and the urgent need for proper support and care for those who have suffered unimaginable trauma.
