Alex told Reuters he was released in a prisoner exchange on May 23 last year after nine years and eight months as a civilian captive. Speaking after a drift session outside Kyiv, he said driving had helped him release years of “negative emotions.” His story comes as Ukraine continues efforts to bring home captives held by Russia. In a recent exchange, Kyiv said 205 Ukrainian service members returned from Russian captivity in the first stage of a planned wider swap. Kyiv’s drifting scene has also been reshaped by the war, with drivers citing insecurity, higher fuel and parts costs, and tighter police and military restrictions. Matviy, 22, said the community survives because “everyone helps each other.”