In the settlement of Krasne in Zolochiv district, a welcome was held for Ukrainian defender Ivan Kucher, a resident of the Krasne community, who spent almost four years – 1,388 days – in Russian captivity. This was reported by the Krasne settlement territorial community of Zolochiv district.
Ivan Kucher was released from captivity on 5 February 2026. After returning to Ukraine, he spent several months undergoing rehabilitation and recovery, and later was able to return to his native Krasne, where his family, friends and local residents had been waiting for him.
During his captivity, the serviceman was held in a penal colony in the temporarily occupied part of Luhansk region, as well as in Siberia. He was subjected to both physical and psychological abuse but, according to the community, preserved an unbroken spirit.
At the railway station in Lviv, Ivan Kucher was met by the head of the settlement, Roman Furda. On the way to Krasne, the defender shared memories of what he had endured in captivity and noted that he thanked God for enabling him to withstand the ordeal and return home alive.
In the Station Park in the settlement of Krasne, a large gathering was organised for Ivan Kucher. Teachers, clergy, representatives of the authorities, Plast members, children, young people, relatives and numerous residents of the community came to greet him.
The parish priest of the Church of the Holy Prophet Elijah, Father Stepan Zhukrovskyi, welcomed the serviceman with a joint prayer and paid special tribute to the soldier’s mother, Mrs Nina, who throughout the years of captivity prayed and believed in her son’s return.
Pupils of the Municipal Institution “Centre for Culture and Leisure” prepared poems for Ivan Kucher, handmade posters, blue-and-yellow balloons and greeted him with hugs. A musical gift for the defender was performed by Dmytro Kryshtal.
The head of the settlement, Roman Furda, thanked Ivan Kucher for defending Ukraine, praised his resilience and courage, and wished him peace, health and prosperity in the years ahead. In response, Ivan Kucher thanked everyone present for the warm welcome, support and faith that the community had maintained throughout the entire period of his captivity.
The Krasne community notes that the return of Ivan Kucher has become an important event for the entire community and a symbol of the indomitability of the Ukrainian spirit, and of the power of faith and hope.