Ukrainian Journalist Dmytro Khylyuk Recounts 3.5 Years in Russian Captivity

December 23, 2025 – Russia –

Ukrainian journalist Dmytro Khylyuk, a correspondent with the UNIAN news agency, has shared harrowing details of his more than three-and-a-half-year detention by Russian authorities, highlighting severe conditions and the psychological toll of prolonged captivity. Khylyuk’s account, published by Ukrainian media and local sources this week, sheds light on the experiences of journalists caught amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Khylyuk was captured by Russian forces in March 2022 in the Kyiv region during the early stages of Russia’s full-scale invasion. His detention, which lasted until August 2025 when he was released as part of a prisoner exchange, represents one of the longest known incarcerations of a Ukrainian journalist by Russian authorities. His prolonged absence from public view had prompted rallies and international appeals for his release, including efforts by human rights groups and press freedom advocates.

In interviews recounting his captivity, Khylyuk described enduring extreme cold, persistent hunger, harsh physical conditions, and psychological pressure. He and other detainees were reportedly held in facilities in Russia’s Vladimir region, including at a penal colony where conditions were described as “inhumane” by former inmates. Observers and former cellmates reported that prisoners faced deprivation, forced exposure to cold, and limited information from the outside world. Khylyuk’s physical health deteriorated substantially during his incarceration, and at one point, he weighed no more than 45 kilograms according to testimonies shared by rights organisations.

Throughout his captivity, Russian authorities offered scant details on the basis for his detention. While Ukraine’s human rights officials sought information about Khylyuk’s status and conditions, Moscow repeatedly provided only minimal assurances about his well-being and refrained from acknowledging formal charges. Reports indicate his official status was treated ambiguously, with Russian statements referencing international humanitarian law without clarifying his classification or legal rights.

Khylyuk’s release in August 2025 was secured through a prisoner exchange agreement between Ukrainian and Russian forces. Upon return to Ukraine, he spoke about the psychological challenges of isolation and the ongoing process of reintegration after prolonged detention. His experience has drawn attention to the broader risks faced by journalists in conflict zones and the need for mechanisms to protect media workers and ensure accountability for unlawful detentions.

Reference –

https://sokalinfo.com/24-110340-12.html

https://imi.org.ua/en/news/rsf-dmytro-khyliuk-has-lost-a-lot-of-weight-in-captivity-i62755