Azovstal Wives' Plea: Ukraine 'Unready for Truth' on POW Exchanges

Families of Azovstal Fighters Express Frustration Over Slow Prisoner Exchanges Kyiv, Ukraine – The wives and families of Azov Regiment soldiers held as prisoners of war are growing increasingly frustrated with the slow pace of prisoner exchanges. Anastasiia Hondyul, co-founder of the Olenivka Community NGO and wife of a twice-wounded Azov fighter, shared her concerns in a recent interview. "Three years have passed, and we still haven't been able to bring home those who suffered severe injuries," she stated. Hondyul and other family members met with Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukrainian military intelligence, in July 2024 to discuss the matter. Budanov's response, according to Hondyul, was that "the country isn't ready to know the truth." This statement has further fueled the families' anger and distrust. The video accompanying the interview shows emotional reunions of released soldiers with their families. These scenes highlight the human cost of the ongoing conflict and the urgent need for a more efficient and transparent prisoner exchange process. The families' plea for greater government transparency and action underscores the importance of addressing this humanitarian crisis.