Another 205 Ukrainian defenders have returned from Russian captivity today.
The news was reported by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
Among those released are representatives of the Armed Forces of Ukraine — including the Navy, Air Force, Air Assault Forces, and Special Forces — as well as the National Guard of Ukraine and the State Border Guard Service. Three officers and 202 soldiers and sergeants are returning home.
The liberated defenders took part in combat operations in the Donetsk and Luhansk sectors, in Zaporizhzhya and Kharkiv Regions, in Kherson, Sumy and Kyiv Regions, and include personnel from the Mariupol garrison.
Today’s exchange is the fifth conducted this year and the 64th since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. In total, 4,757 Ukrainian citizens have been returned through negotiations and exchanges since March 2022, according to the Coordination Headquarters.
“We sincerely thank the United Arab Emirates and all involved structures and organisations for their assistance in organising the exchange and their joint efforts to liberate our people,” the Coordination Centre stated.
All those released will be provided with medical care and treatment, essential items, clothing, and hygiene products. They will also receive salary payments for the period spent in captivity, as well as one-time financial assistance.
The liberated personnel will have access to rehabilitation and reintegration programmes after their prolonged detention by the Russian military.
“Ours are free. Ours are at home. Today, Ukraine has returned 205 soldiers — young men and adult men — from almost all branches of the Armed Forces. Defenders of Mariupol and defenders from across the entire front line,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote.
He added that those released had been scattered across various Russian Regions, held within a prison system designed solely to abuse and strip them of their humanity.
“We have brought them back. I thank everyone who worked on this exchange. I thank our partners — especially the United Arab Emirates — for their mediation and support. I also thank those who remain concerned and continue to speak out about Ukrainians held in captivity. Every day, we fight for our people. We will do everything to bring each and every one of them home,” the President said.