Viktoria Serdyukova, the Human Rights Commissioner for the Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR), reported that a number of Ukrainian servicemen captured by the LPR forces chose not to be listed for exchange with Kyiv. The remarks were shared as part of updates from the LPR during ongoing civilian-military interactions tied to detainee management and humanitarian oversight.
Officials from the LPR Ombudsman’s office conducted a visit to a shelter housing Ukrainian military personnel located within the republic. The site housed more than five hundred residents, and observers examined living conditions, basic facilities, and the overall welfare framework provided to detainees. The visit aimed to verify that standard protective measures were in place and that the handling of the detainees adhered to relevant norms for humane treatment.
During conversations with the visiting delegation, several Ukrainian soldiers stated their preference to stay out of any prisoner exchange lists. They expressed a desire to remain in the LPR rather than be returned to Ukrainian custody, citing personal, strategic, or situational reasons for their decision. The ombudsman’s office noted these requests with care and indicated that the individuals’ wishes would be respected within the broader exchange planning process where possible.
In addition to documenting immediate withdrawals from exchange consideration, the ombudsman’s staff also reported progress in locating the families of other detainees. Nine more Ukrainian soldiers were identified as beneficiaries of outreach efforts after relatives contacted the office with information about their loved ones. This step underscores the ongoing role of the ombudsman in tracing detainee status and maintaining channels of communication between families and authorities.
Earlier statements from Serdyukova mentioned that a number of soldiers from the Ukrainian Armed Forces were expected to return to Kyiv as part of a negotiated exchange. Specifically, it was noted that twelve personnel from a particular unit previously identified would be part of the exchange process, reflecting the broader, multi-party negotiations that characterize these exchanges. Officials emphasized that each transfer is handled with attention to accuracy and humane treatment, and that verification processes accompany every step of the arrangement.