Ukraine: Letters from families to prisoners of war

Please note the below suggestions do not suggest the ICRC endorses the restrictions that exist. However, we are realistic about the environment and situation in which POWs live each day and want your letter to reach your loved one in captivity. We believe the below advice gives this the best chance. 

We encourage updates on family news or events, or simply words of love. Letting your loved one know you are thinking of them, waiting for their return, doing things each day that keep them with you. If babies have been born, if family members have gotten married or graduated school and how everyone is. Simple news from your daily life, what you are cooking, reading, doing, what the kids are playing or their hobbies is equally valuable to your loved one. 

The ICRC is here to advise you should you want this.

While it is up to each family what they feel comfortable putting in these letters, we suggest avoiding information that could be linked to anything military-related, related to politics, or include Ukrainian-associated colours or symbols. 

If you include family photos, please note there is a risk that these may end up in the public sphere. Recent reports from POWs released and repatriated in 2026 mentioned that some children’s drawings were allowed to be kept in the cell and hung up, so this is an option.

We also suggest that letters be written in Russian. As difficult as this may be for families, we believe doing this gives the letter the best chance of reaching your loved one in a timely manner. Guards may be asked to review letters for sensitivities before passing on, and if they cannot read what is in there, they may simply censor the entire thing. 

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