Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy Telegram
A significant number of the released servicemen in this exchange are young defenders born in the 2000s.
In the framework of a prisoner exchange carried out on Friday, April 24, 193 Ukrainian defenders returned home, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The released personnel served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, National Guard of Ukraine, State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, National Police of Ukraine, and the State Special Transport Service.
“They defended Ukraine in various directions. Among them are those against whom Russia opened criminal cases, as well as wounded servicemen. It is important that exchanges are happening and that our people are returning home,” Zelenskyy said, thanking everyone involved in the process, including international partners.
The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War stated that this was the 73rd exchange since the start of the full-scale invasion. A notable feature of this exchange is the large number of young servicemen born in the 2000s, as well as wounded defenders. Several officers were also released.
The headquarters added that most of those freed had been illegally held in Chechnya, with some facing fabricated criminal charges, which they described as a violation of the Geneva Conventions.
The youngest released prisoner is 24 years old and had been in captivity since 2023, while the oldest is 60. Two servicemen also returned home on their birthdays.
All released personnel will undergo medical checks, receive physical and psychological rehabilitation, and be provided with state support for reintegration. The headquarters also thanked the United States and the United Arab Emirates for their assistance in organizing the exchange.
