Most of those freed from Russian captivity are defenders of Mariupol
Today, on the eve of Easter, the 72nd prisoner exchange took place, during which Ukraine repatriated 182 people from Russian captivity—175 military personnel and 7 civilians.
This was reported by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
It is noted that a distinctive feature of this exchange was that almost all those released—both military personnel and civilians—had been held captive since 2022.
“Another piece of good news is that we managed to free 25 officers whom the Russian side had previously categorically refused to exchange. More than half of the defenders freed today were captured during the defense of Mariupol. Several National Guard servicemen, who were taken captive during the occupation of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in the early days of the full-scale invasion, are also returning home,” the statement reads.
The ages of those released range from 22 to 63.
Among the returning servicemen are representatives of the Navy, the Army, the Territorial Defense Forces, the Airborne Assault Forces, the Military Law Enforcement Service, the Air Force, the Unmanned Systems Forces, as well as the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service.
It is also noted that seven Ukrainian civilians, who had been held by Russian occupation forces since 2022, have returned home.
The Joint Operations Command thanked the United States and the United Arab Emirates for their assistance in organizing the exchange.
“All those released from captivity will undergo medical examinations, receive treatment, be provided with everything necessary for the time being, receive appropriate payments, and undergo rehabilitation and reintegration into society after prolonged isolation in Russian captivity,” the headquarters stated.
