ANOTHER 185 DEFENDERS AND ONE CIVILIAN RETURN TO UKRAINE FOLLOWING NEW PRISONER SWAP WITH RUSSIA

ANOTHER 185 DEFENDERS AND ONE CIVILIAN RETURN TO UKRAINE FOLLOWING NEW PRISONER SWAP WITH RUSSIA

In an official statement, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirms the rescue of combatants from Mariupol, Azovstal, and the Kursk frontline; the return of hostages held since 2022 is celebrated as Kyiv's "constant priority."

The government of Ukraine confirmed today the return of another 185 Ukrainian defenders and one civilian who were held in Russian captivity. The repatriation of the group—comprising privates, sergeants, and officers from the Armed Forces, the National Guard, and the State Border Guard Service—was celebrated in an official statement by President Volodymyr Zelensky, who reiterated the country's commitment to liberating all citizens under Russian custody.

The rescued contingent includes service members who operated in virtually every critical combat zone since the beginning of the invasion, encompassing veterans who resisted the historic siege of Mariupol and the Azovstal steelworks. Furthermore, the operation brought back soldiers who fought on the frontlines of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Kyiv, and the recent incursion line in Kursk.

Years in Captivity and the Rescue of a Civilian

Among the repatriated are men and women who faced years of confinement in Russia, having been deprived of their liberty since the opening months of 2022. The successful humanitarian operation also secured the return of an additional Ukrainian civilian who had been captured by Moscow's forces during the conflict.

In his statement, President Zelensky extended public gratitude to everyone involved in the logistics and negotiation process, highlighting the role of the internal exchange teams and international partners who served as facilitators for the agreement.

The Ukrainian leader also dedicated a special acknowledgment to the soldiers serving on the frontlines: "And special gratitude to the warriors who replenish our 'exchange fund'—who, through their strength and results on the frontline, ensure the return of our people home," Zelensky stated.

Ongoing Humanitarian Commitment

The Kyiv Coordinating Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported that all released personnel have already received initial emergency aid and have been forwarded to medical screening and psychological support centers.

According to the presidential briefing, Ukraine keeps its negotiation channels strictly active. "The work continues. The return of our people is a constant priority for Ukraine. Every day, we are working to free every Ukrainian man and woman from captivity," the president concluded.

Notes:

Regarding the Profile of the Released: The rescued service members belong to three of Ukraine's primary security branches (Armed Forces, National Guard, and Border Guard Service) and are divided between enlisted ranks (privates and sergeants) and career officers.

 

Exchange Fund: The technical term mentioned by Ukrainian authorities refers to Russian military personnel captured in combat by Kyiv's forces, who are used on a reciprocal basis to enable humanitarian releases through bilateral agreements.