Today, Ukraine has returned 175 more defenders from Russian captivity. Another 22 defenders are returning home thanks to measures outside of exchanges.
This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Among the soldiers are the seriously wounded and soldiers who were prosecuted by Russia for fictitious crimes. Everyone is provided with the necessary medical and psychological assistance.
"This is one of the largest exchanges. Our soldiers, sergeants and officers are returning. Soldiers who fought for our freedom in the Armed Forces, Navy, National Guard, Territorial Defence Forces and Border Guard. They defended Ukraine in different directions — in Mariupol, at Azovstal, in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Kharkiv, Mykolayiv, Zaporizhzhya, Sumy and Kursk Regions," the President noted.
The Head of State expressed gratitude to the team engaged in the search for Ukrainian prisoners and exchanges for this important work and results that give hope.
"We are grateful to all our partners, especially the United Arab Emirates, for making today's exchange possible. Ukraine remembers each and every one of our heroes, and we will definitely bring all our people home," the President added.
According to the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, three of the released prisoners of war were under so-called "investigation", which can be considered additional torture for both Ukrainian servicemen and their families and friends.
149 soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are returning home to their families, including 4 from the TRO, 11 from the Navy, 8 from the National Guard, 3 from Azov and 3 from the border guards.
The servicemen defended the city of Mariupol — 31 (18 from Azovstal), Donetsk Region — 74, Luhansk Region - 39, Kharkiv Region — 8, Kherson Region — 5, two each from Mykolayiv, Zaporizhzhya and Sumy Regions, and took part in the fighting in Kursk Region.
Among those rescued from Russian captivity this time are 166 privates and sergeants and nine officers.
