Returning to ‘normal life’ after Russian captivity
Human rights activist Maksym, whose detention we covered in 2023, returned home in October as part of a new POW exchange. But it isn’t always easy for Ukrainians to reintegrate after captivity.
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After Russian captivity, ordinary things seem like a privilege for Maksym Butkevych: even brushing his teeth or having a leisurely breakfast.
For two years and four months, Maksym saw nothing but his cell.
But this past October, without warning, he was released.
The exchange of POWs between Ukraine and Russia is crucial not only for restoring human lives, but also for building tentative steps of trust between the two. Every successful exchange can create space for future peace negotiations.
But after all they have experienced, it is not easy for captives to integrate back into society. Ukraine's experience can be a valuable lesson in the challenge of repatriation of POWs. This story is not just about war, but also about how civilian society supports its heroes.
Maksym Butkevych, a journalist and human rights activist, joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine immediately after the start of the full-scale invasion. He fought in the Kyiv region, and then was sent to Donetsk before being captured in June 2022.
On March 10, 2023, the so-called Court of the Luhansk People's Republic sentenced him to 13 years in prison for allegedly abusing civilians and using prohibited methods of warfare.
Back then, The Counteroffensive wrote about Maksym's parents and their struggle for their son's freedom.
At least eight thousand Ukrainians, both civilians and military, are still in Russian captivity. This figure is likely much higher.
Maksym is one of over 3,700 prisoners released by Russia since the full-scale invasion. He was released as part of the return of 95 Ukrainian soldiers, the 58th exchange of its kind, on October 18, 2024, in a deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates.
It was a special exchange, because it included Ukrainians who had received so-called ‘sentences’ and were ‘convicted’ in Russia. Many had feared they may never come back.
The exchange of Ukrainian POWs starts with a long, uncertain journey. Former prisoners recall being kept in the dark about returning home. Russians have often used this as psychological pressure, repeatedly staging exchanges only to send prisoners back, claiming Ukraine had abandoned them.
So when Maksym was put on the bus, he did not believe until he was really being taken home until the very last moment. He thought he was being sent to prison in another occupied territory or even Russia.
His journey from the Luhansk detention center took more than a day. Only when he was nearly back to Ukraine-controlled territories did he realize what was about to happen.
Meanwhile, his parents in Kyiv were dreaming of Maksym's return. The day before, they had learned from human rights activists about rumors about his possible exchange.
"There was a tiny glimmer of hope, we thought very carefully, maybe it was for an exchange. We believed but did not get our hopes up, so we would not be disappointed,” - Maksym's father, Oleksandr Butkevych, told The Counteroffensive.
When Maksym got off the bus in Ukraine, he had very mixed feelings. He had imagined many times what this moment would be like. But of course, it was nothing like that: moments like that are difficult to plan.
"I just had to get used to the idea that I was home. It was unusual," Maksym said.
Maksym is a man of few words, and it is still difficult for him to express his emotions about his time in prison.
His parents were informed of Maksym's return to Ukraine late on October 18.
"When you are hoping, waiting, doing everything on your part, this is an extraordinary, extraordinary event. It is a feeling of happiness, expectation, hope, faith – all at the same time," Maksym's father said.
After the exchange, all POWs are taken to a hospital for a week-long quarantine. There, they are given medical exams and psychological support. However, this is just the beginning. Rehabilitation typically lasts about a month, but can take longer depending on the individual’s condition.
It was on the way to the rehab center that Maksym was able to speak to his parents for the first time on the phone.
"To hear his voice after such a long break, to ask how he feels after such an ordeal. These were just a few basic questions," Oleksandr Butkevych said.
Maksym's condition after his captivity was better than some of his fellow POWs. That is why a few days later he was invited to meet with activists, representatives of Ukrainian civil society and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
And after Maksym had met Zelenskyy, his most important meeting happened – a reunion with his parents. At first, he only came home for about half an hour, but it was a moment of pure joy for Maksym, who knew they had tirelessly advocated for his release.
"They did a great job. I probably won't have enough life to express my gratitude to them and everyone who supported me," Maksym said.
Maksym’s father says that despite the experience of captivity, his son has not changed too much. He has no PTSD, no visible health problems. However, he has lost a lot of weight and gray hair has appeared on his head due to stress.
"He has remained himself, which is very important. I haven't seen any dramatic changes in his behavior," Oleksandr said.
After meeting his family, Maksym returned to the rehabilitation center and stayed there for a month. Then he returned home. He goes for walks, listens to the singing of the bird songs that can be heard from his room in the rehab center.
"I enjoy nature because when I was in prison I couldn't see anything but my cell," Maksym shared sincerely.
Maksym is very positive, but he says that it is now difficult for him to formulate thoughts. After Maksym returned from the rehabilitation center, he was invited to public events where he shared his experiences, which helped him recover faster.
Returning from Russian captivity is unpredictable, and each former POW has a unique story. Initially, euphoria often takes over – POWs dive into all the experiences they missed so much, like shopping, eating, celebrating, or simply relaxing.
But soon, depression can set in. POWs can struggle to escape their thoughts, withdraw from others, and mistrust or misunderstand their loved ones, making it hard to build or sustain relationships.
"No one tells you how to behave with them, what to do when they have panic attacks. Yes, very conscious people can read books about it, but most of them won't," said Veronika Kozhemiakina, an expert at the Ukrainian Veterans Fund.
Working with a psychologist does not always help. Not all POWs are able to be honest and open in conversations with a specialist.
"They never return to normal life. After what they went through, it is impossible to return to normal life, even after years of psychological rehabilitation," Kozhemiakina said.
It has only been two months since Maksym returned from captivity.
He is cautious about his plans for the future: first, he wants to get used to the new realities of peace. But most of all, he wants to use his time to help free his comrades and other POWs.
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NEWS OF THE DAY:
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
EUROPEAN GAS PRICES RISE AS UKRAINE HALTS RUSSIAN GAS: European gas prices increased on the first trading day of the year because the region is preparing for a very cold winter without one previously-important gas source. The typical price climbed 4.3% to €51 per megawatt-hour, the highest since October 2023, after Russian gas deliveries through Ukraine ceased on New Year’s Day due to an expired transit contract.
Cold weather in countries like Slovakia, where it could get as cold as -7°C (19°F), will require more gas for heating. Europe is expected to have enough gas this winter, but it will be harder and more expensive to refill storage for next year because summer gas prices are now higher than those for winter 2025-26.
BRIGADE WITH LEOPARDS DEPLOYED NEAR POKROVSK: As Ukraine reinforces Pokrovsk against a major Russian assault, the newly formed 155th Mechanized Brigade, equipped with Leopard 2 tanks and Caesar howitzers, has faced serious setbacks. Even before reaching the city, the brigade saw around 1,700 of its 5,800 troops go AWOL during training, with nearly 500 still missing as of November, Forbes reports.
Plagued by weak leadership, insufficient equipment, and undertrained recruits, the brigade has struggled to function effectively. In recent battles outside Pokrovsk, it suffered heavy casualties, losing soldiers, tanks, and other armored vehicles.
UKRAINE NOT READY FOR NEGOTIATIONS, BUT % OF UKRAINIANS WHO DO IS UP: Peace talks to end the war are not yet possible because Russia has not yet been made to pay a high enough price for starting the war, Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the head of the presidential administration, told the BBC.
At the same time, between the beginning of October and December 2024, Ukraine saw a decrease in the share of those who are ready to endure Russia's war against Ukraine as long as it takes - down to 57%. Previously, the number was over 70%, according to a survey conducted by the International Institute of Sociology in Kyiv.
During this period, Ukrainians' sense of insecurity has increased.
CAT OF CONFLICT:
Today's Cat of Conflict is the kitten Rudia, who was thrown into the house of Myroslava's in-laws on New Year's Eve. Now Rudia is clean, groomed, in love and safe.
Animal sterilization is rare in Ukraine, especially among older generations. Some people abandon kittens or puppies near others' homes, often at night, to avoid responsibility. However, the person who finds them usually takes care of them.
This is exactly what Myroslava's in-laws did.
Stay safe out there.
Best,
Myroslava
My word this was a hard read but worth it. Again, I am so thankful to you Tim for brining life and light to this war that the world seems to have forgotten about. Thank you.
Another great dispatch from Ukraine . I will have Maksym in my prayers. Stay safe !