Ukraine released a new group of defenders from Russian captivity on July 4, 2025. This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky on social media.
'Our people are home. Most of them had been in Russian captivity since 2022,' the head of state wrote.
According to him, the defenders returning home had protected Ukraine in various regions: Donetsk and Mariupol, Luhansk, Kharkiv, and Kherson regions.
Details of the operation
The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War provided details of the operation. The exchange took place under the 'Istanbul agreements' with the participation of the head of the headquarters, Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of the GUR of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
Among those released are servicemen from various units: the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including representatives of the Navy, Ground Forces, territorial defense, airborne assault troops, and special operations forces. Also returned were fighters from the National Guard of Ukraine, the State Border Service, and the State Special Transport Service.
Ukraine returned a new group of defenders from Russian captivity who had protected the country in various regions. The exchange took place with the involvement of the head of the headquarters and Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov under international agreements. Among those released were representatives of various military units who returned to their families and loved ones.