Ukrainian marine infantryman Smiley endured nine months of torture as a Russian prisoner of war and was given only three months of rest before being ordered back to duty. He returned willingly but began to experience psychological and physical issues, including nightmares, flashbacks, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. The traumas suffered by Ukrainian prisoners are extensive due to the severity of the abuse they experienced during captivity in Russia.
The Ukrainian government’s rehabilitation program for former prisoners of war is considered inadequate, with many individuals being returned to duty too early. Nearly 3,000 Ukrainian prisoners have been released from Russia, with more than 10,000 still in custody. Reports of torture, rape, sexual violence, and other mistreatment have been documented by the United Nations, with many prisoners experiencing long-term effects such as blackouts and fainting spells.
A law passed recently allows former prisoners to choose between returning to service or being discharged from the military, recognizing the need for prolonged rehabilitation for those who have suffered severe mental and physical torture. Ukrainian officials have acknowledged the challenges in providing adequate care for former prisoners and have developed special centers using best international practices. The government is also building a case to charge Russian individuals and officials with mistreatment of prisoners.
Former prisoners of war have shared horrifying experiences of daily beatings, electric shocks, rape, and mental and physical torture while in Russian custody. Many detainees suffered from severe injuries, such as spinal damage, concussion, and psychological trauma. Despite being critically underweight and physically unwell, some prisoners were ordered to return to light duty after only a short period of rest in a sanitarium. The physical and psychological effects of imprisonment in Russian camps are long-lasting and have impacted many individuals’ ability to reintegrate into civilian life.
Even after their release, former prisoners continue to struggle with the trauma of their captivity. Many have difficulty in crowded or public spaces, feeling constantly on edge and anxious. Government psychologists have been of limited help, with many former prisoners finding it challenging to readjust to civilian life. A meeting space called YOUkraine has been opened for former prisoners in Kyiv, providing support and understanding from fellow survivors. Returning to the front line often feels easier than navigating daily life as a civilian, as only other survivors truly grasp the experiences and challenges faced by former prisoners of war.
