POWs now returning from Russian captivity in much worse condition - military

This was stated on the air of national television by Olena Tolkachova, chief of the Angels patronage service with the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade.

"With the latest exchange, it became clear that the condition of those who have returned is much worse, and this trend prevails. So the longer our guys remain in captivity, the worse their condition is. In fact, their health condition is terrible. Prolonging their captivity term doesn’t really add to their health and, unfortunately, there are cases ... where boys and girls, fail to make it to the exchange, dying in captivity due to long-lasting torture, advanced chronic conditions, and untreated wounds," Tolkachova reported.

She noted that upon return, servicemen first undergo a full medical before being sent to designated healthcare facilities based on their profile.

Answering the question of how families should properly approach their loved ones immediately after they return from captivity, Tolkachova noted that emotional support is crucial, but certain rules must be followed.

“We need to remember that their immunity is very weakened, so limiting physical contact and adhering to quarantine rules is very important. Of course, they can support them over the phone,” Tolkachova noted.

She recalled that sometimes people close themselves off, being unwilling to communicate even with their families, and then professional psychologists step in.

Tolkachova emphasized that the Ukrainian side continues to make maximum efforts to bring back its people from captivity, but Russia keeps hampering the process.

The patronage service commander noted that while a serviceman is in captivity, it is very important for their family to prepare for the meeting and consult with a psychologist on how to properly communicate and react to various life situations.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War is making every effort to bring back every military and civilian held in Russian captivity. It also uses hi-end technology to locate and ensure the return of Ukrainians.

Photo: President’s Office