Ukraine Announces Release of 160 Servicemembers in New Prisoner Exchange with Russia

Ukraine Announces Release of 160 Servicemembers in New Prisoner Exchange with Russia

All those repatriated this Friday (26) had been held in captivity since 2022; the group includes historic defenders of Mariupol and the Azovstal steel plant.

The Ukrainian government has confirmed the release of 160 servicemembers who had been held in Russian custody since the early months of the 2022 invasion. The announcement was made by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who highlighted the complexity of the operation and the continuous efforts of intelligence and diplomacy teams to bring citizens back to the country.

The released contingent brings together combatants from different branches of the security forces, including the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service, the National Guard, and the Border Guard Service. Among those repatriated are soldiers who took part in some of the most intense battles of the conflict, such as the defense of the port city of Mariupol and the siege of the Azovstal steel plant, as well as veterans from the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Sumy sectors.

In an official statement, Zelenskyy emphasized the role of frontline troops in making the negotiations possible.

"I thank our entire team, which works every day to bring our people back. Special gratitude to all our units on the frontline who replenish Ukraine’s ‘exchange fund’ and, through their courage, make it possible for us to bring people home," the President declared.

 

The Ukrainian government reiterated that the identification and search process remains active for all mapped names, aiming to guarantee the return of all remaining prisoners. "We remember everyone who remains in captivity. We are checking every name. We must bring everyone back – both military personnel and civilians," Zelenskyy concluded.

The operation marks the 76th formalized prisoner exchange between the two nations since the beginning of the full-scale conflict, consolidating one of the most persistent humanitarian negotiation channels between Kyiv and Moscow.

Media Information:

Subject: Repatriation of Ukrainian prisoners of war.

Original Publication Date: June 26, 2026.

 

Official Source: Office of the President of Ukraine / Official channels of Volodymyr Zelenskyy.