Hundreds of Ukrainian women languish in Russian prisons with little hope

Hundreds of Ukrainian women are currently being held in Russian prisons, with almost no hope of being released through a prisoner exchange. Most of their fates remain unknown to the public, but a few individual cases show what these women have had to endure while in captivity.

One of the women had taken in a soldier at her home, whom she stubbornly regarded as her adopted son. That decision later led to serious consequences for her, and she herself is now also being held captive.

Torture and years of separation

The story of the second woman is even harsher. She was subjected to brutal treatment — stripped, wrapped in adhesive tape and shocked with electricity. Seven years have passed since then, yet she still has not been able to return to her daughter.

Both stories reflect a broader problem: hundreds of Ukrainian women are being held in Russian detention, and their release through official prisoner-exchange channels currently appears unlikely. These cases illustrate the heavy toll the war takes on civilians and detainees, whose fates often remain in the shadows while exchange negotiations continue slowly.