First images of the freed prisoners: most of them were being held illegally in Chechnya

The first images have emerged of Ukrainian soldiers released from Russian captivity as part of the latest prisoner exchange.

This was reported by the Coordination Headquarters.

It is noted that most of those released had previously been illegally detained in Chechnya.

Among them are soldiers born in the 2000s, wounded defenders, and several officers.

All those released will undergo medical examinations, physical and psychological rehabilitation, and receive state-provided benefits.

The Joint Coordination Center also thanked the United States and the UAE for their assistance in organizing the exchange.

Ukraine carried out another prisoner exchange, resulting in the return of 193 Ukrainian servicemen.

All 11 Ukrainian prisoners of war whom Russia handed over to Hungary in 2023 subsequently left the country. Most of them returned to Ukraine, while the rest moved to other countries. 

Ukraine and Russia conducted a new prisoner of war exchange on the eve of Easter, but they were unable to agree on a larger number of releases. Kyiv states that it proposed expanding the lists, but the Russian side refused. Despite this, Ukraine expects the exchanges to continue.