Ukraine: Ex-Kherson Mayor Talks About Russian Occupation and Prison
Volodymyr Mykolaienko, the former mayor of Kherson, spent over three years in Russian prisons before being freed in a prisoner swap. He spoke about life under occupation, his time in jail, and his return home.
Captured After Russia’s Invasion
When Russia attacked Ukraine in February 2022, Mykolaienko, then 62, joined the local defense unit in Kherson. He had served as the city’s mayor from 2014 to 2020.
Within weeks, Russian troops took Kherson. In March, soldiers arrested him on the street. He was beaten and tortured. First, he was sent to Crimea, and later to prisons inside Russia.
Kherson stayed under Russian control for nine months. Ukraine freed the city in November 2022. But Mykolaienko remained a prisoner until August 24, 2025, when he was released. People welcomed him with flags and cheers as he came home
Health and First Feelings
Now in a Kyiv hospital, he is weak but hopeful:
“The love of Ukrainians gives me strength. Seeing people greet us with flags made me feel alive again.”
Image: Igor Burdyga – Source
Why Kherson Fell Fast
Many ask why Kherson was captured so quickly and why the Antonivskyi Bridge was not destroyed to stop Russia.
Mykolaienko believes there was betrayal:
“Russian forces could not have reached Kherson so fast without inside help. Someone cleared the way for them.”
Prison Life in Russia
He was held in several places:
- Crimea (short stay): A “show prison” with TV, books, and food to impress visitors.
- Pakino camp: Prisoners were starved.
- Borisoglebsk, Voronezh region: The worst. Prisoners were beaten daily during checks and walks.
He called it “absolute hell.”
Refusing a Swap in 2022
In 2022, he refused an exchange when a wounded Ukrainian needed it more.
“How could I let 20 Russians go free for me while an injured soldier waited? I am no more important. The sick must leave first.”
News After Release
After years with little information, he was shocked to learn:
- His family was safe.
- Drones were hitting Kherson, killing civilians.
- Russians on the left bank of the Dnipro were hunting buses and people, pretending they were soldiers.
He said:
“This is murder of civilians. The world should speak out every day.”
Image: DW – Source
Thoughts on Ukraine
He is proud of Ukrainians who keep fighting after more than three years. But he was critical of some young men avoiding service:
“Why did I, an old man, pick up a gun, while young men say no? If you can’t fight, then volunteer or help in other ways. Victory and freedom must come first.”
Key Points
- The ex-mayor of Kherson spent 3+ years in Russian captivity.
- Suffered torture and starvation in prisons.
- Refused an exchange to save a wounded soldier.
- Freed on August 24, 2025, welcomed as a hero.
- Believing betrayal helped Russia capture Kherson quickly.
- Urges Ukrainians to fight or support the war effort.
🔗 Read full story: DW – Russia War in Ukraine: Kherson Ex-Mayor on Occupation and Imprisonment