«We were forced to sing soviet songs to drown out the screams» — a hostage about the Russian tortures

«I’m moving away from what happened, getting used to normal life. Upon my return, I didn’t sleep for two or three nights, reading about all the events in Ukraine.»

Valeriy Matyushenko, who was released from Russian captivity after almost 7 years, told Hromadske Radio about his experience.

“There was no information from our side; everything came only from the Russians. We saw everything that was happening only from them. We watched Russian troops invade Ukraine. We were filtering what was happening. Also, relatives, with whom we rarely saw each other, told us something. When I came back, I didn’t sleep for two or three nights, sat down at the computer and watched everything I missed. Now I read everything that is happening. I believe that everything will be fine.»

Valeriy has this to say about the secret torture chamber «Izolyatsia»:

“I don’t know what is happening now with this ‘Izolyatsia’. This is the place where the abuse takes place. When you hear footsteps in the corridor, all the people freeze, “at least not behind me”. They could just knock on the iron door with the butt of a rifle to tickle everyone’s nerves. At night, we could hear people screaming. When we heard them, they made us sing songs to drown them out. They made us sing Soviet songs.»

Valeriy also recalls the cruelty of the “commander” who abused the prisoners:

“The one who was in charge of all this abused people a lot when he was drunk, and he was always drinking. Even his ‘own’ could not drag him away from this activity. Once, they started shooting to stop him from beating a prisoner—that’s how these guys had fun.

I was in this colony the longest. When I was released, I met with those who were imprisoned with me. I really want to hope that all those who stayed there will be exchanged as well. It was hard for me to see their eyes when I left the cell.»

We would like to remind you that Valeriy Matyushenko is a resident of Komsomolske, Donetsk region, a former prisoner of the so-called “DPR”. He fell into the hands of representatives of illegal armed groups on July 15, 2017.

The militants accused Valeriy of spying for Ukraine. At first, Valeriy Matyushenko was held in a secret torture chamber called “Izolyatsia”. Later, he was transferred to a colony in Makiivka, where the militants also hold Ukrainian hostages.

Valeriy Matyushenko was released as part of the 53rd exchange. He is one of 10 civilians who were returned to Ukraine on June 29, 2024. He spent almost 7 years in captivity.