Kolyhaev's son said his father's condition had worsened while in captivity

Igor Kolykhaev, the former mayor of Kherson, has been held captive in Russia for over four years. During this time, his family has not received a single phone call, letter, or message from him. According to his son, Sviatoslav, his father’s health has deteriorated, and he himself is beginning to lose hope of being released.

Svyatoslav Kolykhaevspokeabout this to Suspilne Kherson

 According to his son, no official charges have been brought against his father, there have been no court rulings, and lawyers are not allowed to visit him.

Currently, according to the latest information available to the family, Kolykhaev is being held in a penal colony in the Perm Krai region of Russia. Sviatoslav learns about his father from Ukrainians who are being released from captivity. According to their accounts, the conditions of detention are harsh, and the physical condition of the captives is critical.

“There was a time when my father couldn’t get up—he simply couldn’t stand. He was then transferred to the infirmary,” said Sviatoslav Kolykhaev.

According to him, his father is suffering not only physically but also mentally. He knows about prisoner exchanges but does not understand why he has not yet returned home.

In May 2026, during a personal meeting at the Office of the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights, Sviatoslav was told that his father had been included in the“One Thousand for One Thousand” exchange lists. However, a few weeks later, during a subsequent meeting with Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, the family was told that Kolykhaev’s inclusion on these lists had not been confirmed.

Sviatoslav emphasizes that he wants to hear a clear public position from the Ukrainian authorities regarding his father’s release. He seeks not only to bring him home but also to ensure transparency regarding the efforts of state agencies to secure his release.

Ihor Kolykhaev remained in Kherson after the Russian occupation began in 2022 to continue fulfilling his duties as mayor. In September 2023, the International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed his status as a prisoner of war.

Андрій Колісніченко