In Rivne Region, a tragic news has become known — a soldier has passed away whom recentily was released from Russian captivity as part of the large-scale exchange “1000 for 1000”
Serhii Dobrovolskyi, a resident of Zdolbuniv and one of the fortunate who returned home after two years in captivity, suddenly died a few days ago. His death was a heartbreaking blow to his family, friends, and all concerned, who had been eagerly awaiting his return from captivity and full rehabilitation. According to Zdolbuniv mayor Vladyslav Sukhlyak, who confirmed this news in a comment for “Suspilne,” Serhii Dobrovolskyi was a true hero of our country. “Our fellow countryman, a serviceman who defended Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity, has passed away. He is from Rivne Region, from the city of Zdolbuniv, and has been in Russian captivity since 2023. Thanks to the efforts of Ukrainian diplomats and military personnel, he was eventually able to return home — in May of this year. However, an unfortunate incident that occurred a few days ago took his life,” Sukhlyak said. As “Suspilne” reports, even during his captivity, Serhii was recognized as missing in action, but later, in May, he managed to return home as part of the exchange of prisoners under the “1000 to 1000” formula. This large-scale operation became one of the biggest during the entire conflict, when 390 people — including 270 military personnel and 120 civilians — were returned to Ukraine. On June 17, in Zdolbuniv, the parents, friends, and fellow townspeople warmly welcomed Serhii with great excitement and joy. Embraces, tears of happiness, and the presentation of an Ukrainian loaf of bread — this was a heartfelt greeting with a hero who returned home after those terrible two years in Russian captivity. Local residents and loved ones couldn’t hide their tears and words of support, as it seemed that a dream was coming true — to once again hug a son, a brother, a son of Ukraine. Just a few days after his return, on June 19, Serhii was able to meet with his mother and loved ones, hug them, and share his impressions of coming home. People brought him a loaf of bread, and together they sang the Ukrainian national anthem — a patriotic symbol of the unbreakable will of the Ukrainian people. However, this time, the joy was interrupted by a tragic reminder of the death of yet another Ukrainian defender — Dmytro Shapovalov, who died in Vinnytsia region on June 12. Dmytro also returned from Russian captivity in April 2023, but his health could not withstand the trials — his passing marked the bitter final note in this dramatic story. He was one of the 390 military personnel whom it was possible to free during the initial stages of the exchange. It is worth recalling that large-scale negotiations on the prisoner exchange took place in May and June of this year. The first major agreement occurred on May 23 — 390 Ukrainians were returned, including 270 soldiers and 120 civilians. The next day, May 24, another 307 Ukrainian defenders came back home. Subsequently, on May 25, as part of the third exchange with Russia, another 303 servicemen were returned, according to the arrangements. This was one of the largest exchanges in modern Ukrainian history, saving hundreds of lives and returning many fighters who had been in Russian captivity for a long time. While Ukraine continues fighting for the liberation of its citizens, the losses and tragedies inflicted upon them remain a painful and bitter reality. The death of Serhii Dobrovolskyi serves as a painful reminder of the price of war and of heroes who pay the highest price — their lives — for a free and independent Ukraine. Though he has already left this world, his memory will live on in the hearts of family, friends, and the entire Ukrainian community as a symbol of resilience and devotion to his homeland.