In his evening address on 14 September, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the operation in Kursk Region had given the necessary impetus to the exchange of prisoners.
"Another exchange was made. 103 Ukrainian defenders have been returned from Russian captivity. The guys have been in captivity since the 2022 - since the first months of the war. These are soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, border guards, police officers, soldiers of other elements of our Defence and Security Forces of Ukraine. They are defenders of Kyiv and Donetsk Regions, including Mariupol, Azovstal and other parts of the Region. There are also those captured in Kharkiv and Kherson Regions. Some of them are in serious condition after being wounded. Everyone will be provided with the necessary assistance," the President said.
He thanked the team involved in the exchanges and also thanked all the combat brigades for their bravery in replenishing the exchange fund for the state: "In particular, our operation in the Kursk Region gave the necessary impetus."
The President also said that he had just spoken to Syrskyy.
"Report on the frontline: Donetsk Region, key areas. We are holding our positions, no matter how difficult it is. I also reported on the Kursk Region - on our actions and the enemy's reaction. As expected, we are protecting our fundamental interest - to bring peace closer. We are putting pressure on Russia and doing everything to make the war feel where it came from in Ukraine," the Head of State said.