Prisoner Swap Between Ukraine and Russia
On May 15, Ukraine and Russia carried out their 74th prisoner exchange, bringing 205 Ukrainian military personnel back home. Among those released were members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, territorial defense units, the National Guard, and the State Border Guard Service. A notable aspect of this exchange is that 95% of those returned—193 out of 205—had been captured in 2022. The freed fighters include soldiers from the Azov Regiment, as well as defenders of Mariupol and the Azovstal steel plant.
Ukraine’s Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, announced the swap. He highlighted that a significant number of Mariupol defenders, especially those from Azovstal, were brought back, along with one soldier who had been convicted and later pardoned in Russia.
“This exchange is special because 95% of those returned today were captured in 2022 (193 fighters out of 205). This includes a large portion of the defenders of Mariupol, particularly from Azovstal,” Lubinets said.
Breakdown of Freed Soldiers
The released personnel come from various military branches, including:
- Airborne assault units
- Motorized infantry
- Mechanized forces
- Marine infantry
Most of those returning are enlisted soldiers and sergeants, though officers and captains are also among them. All individuals were confirmed as prisoners of war through the International Committee of the Red Cross. The youngest freed soldier is 21 years old, while the oldest is 62. Two returnees are celebrating birthdays today—ages 40 and 36—and 21 defenders have or will have birthdays in May. Among the group, there are five individuals who share the same last name.
“It’s especially heartening that this exchange took place on International Family Day—and today, 205 families will be reunited once again!” Lubinets added.This swap marks a major milestone for many Ukrainian families who had been anxiously awaiting the return of their loved ones.
Prisoner exchanges are a critical component of the humanitarian process amid the conflict, as they not only restore family bonds but also underscore Ukraine’s efforts to uphold the rights of its citizens. The return of soldiers who have been in captivity since 2022 reflects a prolonged struggle for liberation and highlights the importance of international support in this area. This successful exchange may pave the way for further negotiations and renewed efforts to free other Ukrainian citizens who remain in captivity.