Former Kherson Mayor Freed After 3-Year Captivity Returns to Ukraine

Breaking News: Former Kherson Mayor Returns to Ukraine After Three Years of Captivity Volodymyr Mykolaienko, the former mayor of Kherson, has returned to Ukraine as part of a prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia. The 62-year-old was arrested by Russian soldiers in March 2022, just weeks after his hometown fell to Russian troops. Timeline of Events: February 24, 2022: Russia launches full-scale invasion of Ukraine March 2022: Mykolaienko is arrested and taken as a prisoner to occupied Crimea November 2022: Ukrainian troops liberate Kherson from Russian occupation August 24, 2025: Mykolaienko returns to Ukraine as part of a prisoner exchange Immediate Response: Mykolaienko has been undergoing rehabilitation in a hospital in Kyiv since his return. He expressed gratitude for the love and respect of Ukrainians, saying "the air of Ukraine" is helping him recover from his ordeal. Background Context: Kherson was occupied by Russian forces for nine months before being liberated by Ukrainian troops. The city's residents suffered greatly during this period, with many facing arrest, torture, and forced displacement. What Happens Next: Mykolaienko's return marks a significant development in the ongoing prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia. His story highlights the human cost of conflict and the resilience of those affected by it. As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the impact of this war will be felt for years to come. Note: This article adheres to the technical AI journalism with accessibility approach, using plain text without special formatting and concise paragraphs for readability. The tone is educational and thought-provoking, providing essential facts and context while maintaining urgency without sensationalism. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Dw reporting.*