On October 23, 2026, after four years of separation, father and son Volodymyr reunited in Ukraine. Both had defended Mariupol together, survived the siege of Azovstal, and were captured by Russian forces, where they were held separately for the first year.
Prisoner Exchange
Thanks to a prisoner exchange that took place on October 23, both father and son were able to return to their homeland. This event marked an important milestone for their family, as the separation lasted over four years.
Emotions of the Reunion
Volodymyr Jr. shared his feelings about the reunion with his father: “We are very happy, we have been waiting for this.” These words reflect the deep emotions that both are experiencing after such a long time spent in captivity.