Media representatives called on the government to exchange propagandist Molchanov for the captive Khilyuk.

A group of Ukrainian journalists and media representatives, participants of the Media Movement, called on the government to organize an exchange between Russian propagandist Kirill Molchanov and Ukrainian journalist Dmytro Khilyuk, who has been held captive by Russia for over three years. Dmytro Khilyuk was abducted by Russian intelligence services on March 3, 2022, during the occupation of Kyiv region. He is being held in occupied Dymersky and was later transferred to a pre-trial detention center in Russia. Ukraine does not know the exact whereabouts of the journalist but believes he is in one of the colonies in the Vladimir region of Russia.Meanwhile, on April 1, it became known that the Security Service of Ukraine detained Russian agent Kirill Molchanov, who was linked to Viktor Medvedchuk's media center. Ukraine already has experience in exchanging captives, so the participants of the Media Movement urge the government to carry out an exchange of Kirill Molchanov for Dmytro Khilyuk.The journalists' call is an important step towards freeing Dmytro Khilyuk from Russian captivity. Ukraine has experience in exchanges and should use it to protect its citizen. For a successful exchange, it is advisable to involve international partners and the public. It is also necessary to pay attention to violations of journalists' rights in Russia and to intensify diplomatic efforts for their protection. It is important for the Ukrainian government to ensure the safety of Dmytro Khilyuk during the exchange, which could serve as an example for other countries that also have their citizens held captive by Russia.