Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Telegram
Nearly all of the Ukrainian defenders released today had been held in captivity for about four years.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that 205 Ukrainians have returned from Russian captivity as part of the first stage of a “1,000 for 1,000” prisoner exchange. According to him, those freed include servicemen from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, and the State Border Guard Service.
The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War confirmed that the returnees include members of the Navy, Ground Forces, Air Assault Forces, Territorial Defense, Air Force, as well as National Guard and border guard units. Many of them were captured while defending Mariupol.
Officials noted that the length of captivity was a key factor in forming the exchange lists. More than 50 officers are among those released. The youngest freed soldier is 21 years old, the oldest is 62.
All released Ukrainians will undergo medical checks, treatment, rehabilitation, and psychological support after their return.
The exchange is described as the first phase of a broader agreement between Ukraine and Russia, facilitated by international mediators.
