Tears and Joy in Ukraine POW Swap: 'I'll Hug and Kiss Him'

On Oct. 2, the Kyiv Post team, including journalist Kateryna Zakharchenko, visited a prisoner exchange in northern Ukraine. Families who had been waiting months and even years for their loved ones finally saw them return from Russian captivity. This exchange, carried out on the order of President Volodymyr Zelensky, was organized by Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters. In total, 205 people were freed — 185 Ukrainian servicemen and 20 civilians. The swap combined two formats: the 69th official exchange and an agreement reached in Istanbul. Kyiv Post spoke with wives, mothers, and children who shared their stories of waiting, loss, and hope. One of the most moving voices was little Nastia, 5, who said simply: “Did your dad recognize you? — Yes. What do you feel? — Cool! What will you do with your dad next? — I will hug and kiss him.” This video captures not only the reunion of families but also the resilience of Ukrainians who continue to wait and believe.