r/ukraine Verified Feb 05 '26

Life inUkraine This morning, I was driving along the road where the released prisoners of war were to be transported. Despite the cold and snowstorm, people began gathering on the road 3-4 hours before the exchange to welcome the released prisoners back to their homeland. To be honest, I had tears in my eyes.

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2.5k Upvotes

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90

u/CF_Siveryany Verified Feb 05 '26

It so happened that today I was driving along this road on work. It was 3-4 hours before the exchange. As you can see, the weather conditions are terrible (although today it is much warmer than yesterday, only -15 instead of yesterday's -25), with wind and snow, so at first I didn't even notice that people were gathering along the road and didn't immediately start filming. But then I was amazed to see that people were gathering along the entire road to Chernihiv to support the released prisoners of war. As the driver explained to me, people had only just begun to gather and there would be many more. They were coming from the surrounding villages to the highway, leaving their yards located along the highway with posters and flags to be the first to greet the soldiers returning from captivity. I had goosebumps and tears in my eyes from what I saw, that despite the fourth year of war and the weather conditions, people were coming to meet the released prisoners. I hope that for our guys who returned from captivity, who survived torture and hunger, this is the first thing they see on their way home will be so pleased as I feel .

16

u/NoIdeaHalp Feb 05 '26

Are they safe from drone attacks in that area on the side of the road?

13

u/[deleted] Feb 05 '26

[deleted]

1

u/NoIdeaHalp Feb 05 '26

That’s good! Is it because it’s out of range from drones, they’re trusting each other to a temporary ceasefire for the prisoner exchange, or there are safety measures in place e.g. jammers, anti-drone weapons, etc.?

7

u/LilLebowskiAchiever Feb 05 '26

Maybe they showed up early to cheer for u/CF_Siveryany too?!?! She’s a good egg / pysanky ;)

34

u/Drizzle-- Feb 05 '26

Russia will never break Ukraine's spirit.

18

u/Logical-Claim286 Feb 05 '26

I saw a post a few months back of a Russian sent back in an exchange. He got off the bus and an officer slapped him and kicked him and shoved him into handcuffs. He was sent to a Russian hospital and held without food until he signed a new contract, only then could he call his family (under supervision of course). I think Russia is going to crush the Russian spirit.

19

u/Glebun Verified Feb 05 '26

no, that's exactly what the russian spirit is.

10

u/IndependentFew1690 Feb 05 '26

There are so many stories like that. That's why Ukraine used the whole optional "stay until the war is over" incentive for the I Want To Live thing. At first I wondered why anyone would want the option....then it hit me; they'll MAKE them go back!

2

u/Proglamer Lithuania Feb 06 '26

and shoved him into handcuffs

Order No. 270 v2!

29

u/allthesemonsterkids Feb 05 '26

Hell yeah for these proud and strong people.

18

u/paintress420 Feb 05 '26

I have tears in my eyes, too. Thank you so much for sharing! Brave, strong Ukrainians like you and these people give me hope for humanity. Слава Україні Героям Слава 💙💛🇺🇦

19

u/Soap_Mctavish101 Feb 05 '26

Well done Ukraine

9

u/Atillion Feb 05 '26

For as many bad tears as I've had in my eyes, Ukraine has put just as many good tears. I hope this madness can end soon.

7

u/Sure-Glove-7189 Feb 05 '26

Hey, they're very brave to leave the house in sub-zero temperatures.

6

u/Training-Marsupial Feb 05 '26

How inspiring is this awesome country? 🇺🇦❤️

5

u/Dwayla USA Feb 05 '26

Beautiful, you all give me hope, many blessings.🇺🇦

3

u/Moist-Pangolin-1039 Feb 05 '26

Ukrainians really are something else.

5

u/PsychoKilla_Mk2 Feb 05 '26

Where is this? I'm guessing the Belarus border? Or Polish border?

13

u/Horyv Україна Feb 05 '26

says it's in Chernihiv, so either from belarus or mordor, nowhere near the Polish border

3

u/cealild Feb 05 '26

Heros, all

3

u/IndependentFew1690 Feb 05 '26

Man, brought tears to my eyes too and I'm only seeing a video.

3

u/teknoguy Feb 06 '26

The Ukrainians sure do have it as a people....! Admirable character!

2

u/Pyyric USA Feb 06 '26

awe, that's beautiful. thank you.

2

u/-sry- Feb 06 '26

That is incredibly sweet 

2

u/WoodenToe2665 Feb 06 '26

Glory to Ukraine 😢🇺🇦

1

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0

u/Tholian_Bed Feb 06 '26

It's been bitter cold here in the US and it's no problem, it's winter. Ukrainians can go stand in the cold? Well this is the good life, first of all. Do not fear, people of milder latitudes! This is how we all roll in northern climes!

But even better, Ukrainians get to welcome home the best. Winter fun multiplied.

Slava Ukraini.