Christmas is often heralded as the season of joy and family reunions, but for many caught up in conflict zones like Ukraine and Syria, it embodies deep sorrow and longing. This year, as the world celebrates, Ukrainian families of prisoners of war express feelings of anguish as they await news of their loved ones, spending yet another Christmas apart.
According to Euronews, families gather weekly to demonstrate their desire for the return of their captured relatives, emphasizing the emotional toll of separation. "While you wait for Christmas, we’re waiting for our loved ones to return from Russian captivity," display the protesters' signs, capturing the essence of their plight. Mournful statements such as “Every day in captivity could be the last” reflect the stark reality these families face. Many Ukrainian soldiers are now entering their third Christmas in Russian detention, which takes on haunting echoes of loss and despair.
Among those incarcerated are the defenders of Mariupol, who surrendered after holding the Azovstal steel plant against fierce Russian advances. The Association of Azovstal Defenders Families highlighted to Euronews their hope for the best Christmas gift possible—a reunion with their loved ones. “While children across Europe and America dream of gifts, thousands of Ukrainian children dream of having their captured parents home,” stated Marianna Khomeriki, the spokesperson for the Association. She explained the motivation for weekly gatherings: to keep the plight of the prisoners visible, ensuring the world does not forget their sacrifices.
The heartbreaking realities are compounded by the trauma of families who have not heard from their loved ones for months or even years. Signs at gatherings poignantly read, “My son has been in Russian captivity for 940 days. How much longer?” and “Help me bring my son home; it has been two and a half years.” Many relatives remain without information about their loved ones, learning only what they can from those who return after prisoner exchanges.
Compounding the trauma, the Ukrainian General Prosecutor's Office has reported severe human rights violations against nine out of ten prisoners of war, including physical and psychological torture and sexual violence. The harrowing statistics include 177 confirmed executions of Ukrainian prisoners since the start of the invasion, with 109 occurring just this year. Despite overwhelming visual evidence of these atrocities, proving such war crimes before international courts remains complex, and the return of bodies often impossible. Khomeriki described the situation as tragic and called for global attention and action: "This is a tragedy which should not happen in the modern world; the world should not forget it.”
The families cling to hope for future exchanges of captured soldiers, yet they express frustration over Russia’s apparent lack of interest in returning Ukrainian detainees. The Geneva Conventions stipulate humane conditions for prisoners, including access to health care and family contact, yet realities on the ground tell another story. Humanitarian organizations like the International Red Cross have visited nearly 3,500 prisoners but lack full access, especially to the Mariupol defenders. Russia’s reluctance to engage in exchanges demonstrates consistent indifference toward captured personnel. Khomeriki revealed, “The only hope families have is through the capture of occupying soldiers to fill the exchange funds.”
While these families endure the agonizing wait for news during the Christmas season, Syria paints another picture of resilience, albeit cautious. Across the war-ravaged nation, cities like Damascus, Aleppo, and Homs are adorned with Christmas decorations, and services are held. Nahla Osman, the head of the Christian Association, reported to the Evangelical Press Service the festive atmosphere, stating, “Even Muslims are participating in decorating the streets for Christmas.” This display of interfaith solidarity brings glimmers of hope amid turmoil.
Despite the relative progress and freedom to express opinions, concerns linger over the rights of minorities and women since the rebels’ rise. Osman noted, “The new authorities directly intervened during incidents, ensuring the safety of church-goers.” The community’s endeavors reflect their desire to hold onto traditional joys even as uncertainty lingers with the threat of extremist ideology.
One cannot help but see the contrasting experiences: Ukrainian families, burdened with grief and the weight of waiting, and Syrians, who muster the strength to celebrate together, find ways to assert their cultural identities amid conflict. The holiday season, for many, serves as both painful and beautiful—a time for love mixed with longing.
Across the globe, to those celebrating Christmas, the desire for peace, family, and hope resonates universally. While Ukrainians yearn for their loved ones to return home, Syrians demonstrate resilience through simple acts of celebration. Both narratives reflect the human spirit's capacity to navigate hope and connection, even amid the heartbreak of war. This Christmas, as traditions continue against the backdrop of conflict, let us hold space for all displaced families everywhere and pledge to amplify their voices.
