The son of the former mayor of Kherson claimed that efforts to secure his father's release from captivity were being sabotaged

Stanislav, the son of former Kherson Mayor Igor Kolykhaev, appealed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, asking him to personally take charge of securing his father’s release from Russian captivity.

According to Stanislav Kolykhaev, his father did not leave Kherson after the occupation began, but remained with the city’s residents and continued to fulfill his duties. The son also noted that Kolykhaev carried out the president’s personal orders.

“My father did not flee. He stayed in Kherson, remained with his people, and carried out his duties. He personally carried out your orders. And today he is paying for that with his life and freedom,” Stanislav said.

He recalled that for fulfilling his duties, Ihor Kolykhaev was awarded the Order “For Courage” by the president.

Stanislav explained that for four and a half years, the family had been trying to secure his father’s release from captivity. During that time, they appealed to government agencies, wrote letters, made phone calls, held meetings, and continued to trust the state.

According to him, the family has yet to see any results. He stated that the situation appears as though the issue of his father’s release is being deliberately stalled, and that for some, this state of affairs is understandable or acceptable.

The son of the former mayor of Kherson called on the president to personally intervene in the situation and find out what steps have already been taken to secure his father’s return, as well as who or what is preventing his release.

“I ask you to find out what has already been done and who or what is preventing his return. We have a right to this. We have a right to know,” Stanislav said.

He also pointed out that in cases of national importance, the Ukrainian side manages to find ways to bring people home. His father, however, has been held captive for four and a half years now.

Stanislav noted that it is not only he who is appealing to the president, but also thousands of Kherson residents and Ukrainians who are aware of Igor Kolykhaev’s fate and are deeply concerned about his captivity.

The abduction of the mayor of Kherson became known on June 28, 2022. As early as September 3, the International Committee of the Red Cross officially confirmed that Igor Kolykhaev was being held captive. 

Анна Літман