400 Collaborators Line Up to Defect to Russia in POW Swap

New Kyiv state project allows for the deportation of convicted Kremlin collaborators – who must publicly confess they wish to relocate to Russia – in a program to repatriate Ukrainian civilian POWs. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied (Image by Khochu k svoim) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Around 400 convicted Kremlin agents, collaborators and traitors – who have publicly declared their willingness to relocate to Russia and had their profile published online – are having their wish granted under a Kyiv prisoner exchange project facilitating the return of Ukrainian civilian POWs. As of April 13, 2026, the government-run platform “I Want to Go to My Own” (Khochu k svoim) lists 404 profiles of convicted collaborators who have agreed to leave for Russia on the condition that Ukrainians are returned from Russian detention, according to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . Each profile on the website includes a timer showing how long the individual has been waiting for transfer to Russia. The project, launched by Ukrainian special services in July 2024, is designed to publicize information about convicted Russian agents, traitors, and collaborators, and to enable their potential transfer in exchange for Ukrainian civilians held by Russia. Participants must formally consent to such a process, which is reflected on the platform. According to the project’s framework, the initiative also allows individuals still cooperating with Russian forces to cease their activities under certain conditions, provides a channel for citizens to report information about enemy agents, and enables those wishing to relocate to Russia to apply through a dedicated form. Applications are coordinated with the Office of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights. Other Topics of Interest Austria Joins Agreement on Special Tribunal for Russia’s Aggression Against Ukraine Austria has joined the Enlarged Partial Agreement on the Special Tribunal for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, paving the way for accountability over Russia’s invasion. Andriy Yusov, a representative of Ukraine’s military intelligence, said the process is governed by Ukrainian law and is not a direct exchange. “It is not about an exchange but a comprehensive process in which the willingness and desire of certain citizens to move to Russia and the aggressor state’s desire to return Ukrainian citizens are considered,” Yusov said, adding that all procedures involve court decisions and coordination between the Security Service of Ukraine, prosecutors, and the Coordination Headquarters. Among those listed, Rita Kuksa had one of the shortest waiting times – two months and 11 days. She was convicted of providing Russian forces with information about the movement and positions of Ukrainian troops in the city of Selydove in the Donetsk region. One of the most protracted cases is Hlib Manakov, who waited one year, 11 months, and 29 days. He was convicted of collecting and passing information about Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) positions in Lysychansk. The Coordination Headquarters said Russian authorities are aware of each collaborator’s stated desire to relocate but have not expedited their return. According to the statement, those imprisoned are now of interest to Russia primarily as material for propaganda. As of April 13, users have viewed collaborator profiles on the website one million times. The Coordination Headquarters also reported that 70 collaborators have already left for Russia under the project’s conditions, with 34 of their profiles published on the platform. In its statement, the agency urged individuals still cooperating with Russian forces to review the profiles on the site and reconsider their actions, warning that those who continue such activities risk imprisonment without support from either Ukraine or Russia. Kateryna investigates today's most important topics, from geopolitical challenges and defense strategies to stories that change the course of events. She explores the secrets of Ukraine's intelligence services and shows the hidden side of global events. Her passion is uncovering secrets that change history. Born and lives in Kyiv.