The former mayor of Kherson, who was kidnapped shortly after volunteering for territorial defense, underwent a harrowing experience during his three and a half years in captivity. He was moved multiple times between detention facilities, where he faced severe violence and humiliation. Reflecting on his ordeal, he notes that prisoners were often beaten for the amusement of their captors, revealing a systematic approach to torture used by Russian authorities as a method of control.

He returned home on August 24, 2025, coinciding with Ukraine’s Independence Day, which he now considers his second birthday. During his captivity, he twice refused exchange offers, opting instead to allow a critically ill inmate to take his place, showcasing his values of solidarity and sacrifice even in dire circumstances. This act emphasizes the deep personal and moral conflicts faced by those involved in the conflict in Ukraine.

The former mayor criticizes the quick fall of Kherson to Russian forces, attributing it to betrayal, and he reports that the Russian army continues to terrorize the city by directly targeting civilians. His statements shed light on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in occupied regions and the psychological effects of war on individuals who have survived such experiences. This case not only highlights the plight of political prisoners but also reflects the broader impact of the conflict on Ukrainian society.