On May 16, Volodymyr Barabas, who was released from captivity, was met in the village of Maidanivka in the Kyiv region. The soldier served in the 79th separate Tavria airborne assault brigade and was captured on July 4, 2022.
Correspondents from Suspilny met the soldier along with his family, friends, and fellow villagers.
Volodymyr Barabas was exchanged on the eve of Easter, April 11, 2026. And today, for the first time since his captivity, he returned to his native village.
Volodymyr Barabas, who was released from captivity, was met in the village of Maidanivka in the Kyiv region, May 16, 2026. Social news/Olexandr Sova
The fighter spent 3 years and 9 months in captivity.
Meeting of Volodymyr Barabas, released from captivity, with his mother. Social news/Olexandr Sova
The soldier was met not only by his family, friends, and comrades, but also by fellow villagers and residents of neighboring villages who came to thank him for protecting the country and to support him after what he had experienced.
Volodymyr Barabas, who was released from captivity, was met in the village of Maidanivka in the Kyiv region, May 16, 2026. Social news/Olexandr Sova
“Today, everyone who could came. We really wanted to see, we've been waiting for this meeting for almost four years. Emotions are overwhelming… It's very exciting,” Natalya, a relative of Volodymyr, told Suspilny.
Volodymyr Barabas, who was released from captivity, was met in the village of Maidanivka in the Kyiv region, May 16, 2026. Social news/Olexandr Sova
People came wearing embroidered shirts, with flowers and national flags, and inflatable balloons.
Volodymyr Barabas, who was released from captivity, was met in the village of Maidanivka in the Kyiv region, May 16, 2026. Social news/Olexandr Sova
“We are really looking forward to our Wolf. The most important thing is that he comes back healthy, strength and patience for everything he went through there. Recovery and peace,” say local residents Halyna and Natalia, who came with their children to meet their fellow countryman from captivity.
Volodymyr Barabas, who was released from captivity, was met in the village of Maidanivka in the Kyiv region, May 16, 2026. Social news/Olexandr Sova
Dozens of people lined up in the “corridor of gratitude” to congratulate Volodymyr on his return after a difficult ordeal. They greeted him with applause and shouts of “Congratulations,” “Thank you!”, “Glory to the heroes!” and “Glory to Ukraine.”
The community greeted the soldier with bread and salt on an embroidered towel. He was presented with an embroidered shirt “as a symbol of the indomitability of the Ukrainian spirit.”
Volodymyr Barabas, who was released from captivity, was met in the village of Maidanivka in the Kyiv region, May 16, 2026. Social news/Olexandr Sova
Volodymyr's relatives fought for his return for almost four years. His brother's wife, Angelika, in particular, was a regular participant in the actions in support of prisoners of war that take place every Sunday in Kyiv.
Volodymyr Barabas, who was released from captivity, was met in the village of Maidanivka in the Kyiv region, May 16, 2026. Social news/Olexandr Sova
“We learned that Volodya was in captivity from Telegram channels, saw photos and videos where he was taken prisoner when he served in the Luhansk direction of the front. He joined the army on April 27, 2022, and was captured on July 4. We contacted the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, SBU. Many thanks to them. They helped as much as possible. Thanks to them, he returned,” said Angelika.
“There are no words, only emotions,” says Volodymyr, moved by the support and warm welcome of his fellow villagers.
Volodymyr Barabas, who was released from captivity, was met in the village of Maidanivka in the Kyiv region, May 16, 2026. Social news/Olexandr Sova
And at home, the soldier was waiting for another heartbreaking meeting – with his nephew and future godson Orest, who was born when Volodymyr was in captivity. The family will gather at the festive table with Volodymyr's favorite dishes. He still has a long way to go in his rehabilitation.
The final prisoner exchange took place on May 15. 205 defenders returned to Ukraine. This is the first stage of a 1,000-for-1,000 exchange between Russia and Ukraine, mediated by the United States.