The condition of Ukrainian prisoners of war returning home has deteriorated significantly - head of the "Angels" patronage service
Kyiv • UNN
The condition of Ukrainian soldiers returning from captivity has significantly deteriorated, some die without waiting for the exchange. After returning, the soldiers are given a full examination and psychological assistance.
The condition of Ukrainian servicemen returning home from Russian captivity has deteriorated significantly compared to previous exchanges. This trend continues. There are frequent cases when prisoners die without waiting for an exchange. This was stated on the air of the telethon by the commander of the patronage service "Angels" of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, Olena Tolkachova, call sign "Gaika", reports the correspondent of UNN.
The state of health can be called terrible. There are frequent cases when boys and girls die in captivity without waiting for an exchange due to detention conditions, torture, neglected chronic diseases, and untreated wounds. We sometimes do not even have the opportunity to check in what condition they are there, because contact with that side (Russian - ed.) is very limited
"First of all, when Ukrainian prisoners return from Russian captivity, they are provided with a full medical examination literally a few hours after the bus crosses the border. Sometimes boys and girls arrive in such a state that it can be said that in a few weeks they may even die. Then they are distributed to specialized medical institutions," the serviceman added.
According to Tolkachova, in the first days, the emotional support of relatives and fellow soldiers, especially from the native unit, is very important. But it is important to remember that boys and girls return with a very weakened immune system. Therefore, it is necessary to limit physical contact and withstand quarantine. Sometimes the guys withdraw and avoid communication even by phone, then professional psychologists are involved, who help the family and the military to adjust their condition. Sometimes, unfortunately, you have to turn to psychiatrists.
Answering the question "what should not be asked of released prisoners upon returning home", Olena Tolkachova replied that in the first days you need to listen more than ask. Released boys and girls usually try to tell what and who they saw in the colony, who was the most cruel to them, they try to remember the names. It is important for them to speak out, because on this emotional upswing they give out the most information, which is forgotten over time and it will be more difficult to find out important nuances, both for the military and for his brothers who are still in captivity.
Earlier UNN reported that Ukraine had returned 175 Ukrainian defenders from Russian captivity. Another 22 defenders are returning home thanks to measures outside of exchanges. Among them are soldiers who defended the country, including in Azovstal.