Ukraine brings home defenders and civilians who had been waiting since 2022 — Zelenskyy
Ukraine has carried out a new prisoner exchange, under which 157 Ukrainians — both military personnel and civilians — have returned home. Those released include servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service.
This was announced by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Telegram.
Many of the Ukrainians had been held in captivity since 2022.
“We are bringing our people home — 157 Ukrainians. Servicemen of the Armed Forces, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service. Soldiers, sergeants and officers. Along with our defenders, civilians are also returning. Most of them had been in captivity since 2022.
Today’s exchange took place after a long pause, and it is extremely important that it was made possible. I thank everyone who works to make these exchanges happen, and everyone on the front line who helps build Ukraine’s exchange fund. Without the determination of our warriors, such exchanges would be impossible. Every result achieved by our units is what sustains the ability to bring Ukrainians home from Russia.
We will continue our work to free our people from captivity. We must return — and we will return — everyone. We are working on every single name, so that every family can be reunited with their loved ones,” the Head of State wrote.
As previously reported, another prisoner-of-war exchange between Ukraine and Russia took place under the “157 for 157” formula, bringing home Ukrainian defenders who had been held in enemy captivity.
