185 Ukrainian defenders returned from Russian captivity, including soldiers of the Armed Forces, National Guard, and State Border Guard Service. This was reported by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, noting that 183 of the released are privates and sergeants, while two are officers. Along with the defenders, 20 civilians returned, who will be provided with the necessary assistance.
The President emphasized that most of the defenders had been in captivity since 2022 and were released through the efforts of the Ukrainian side. In particular, they participated in battles in Mariupol, at the Azovstal plant, and in the Chernobyl exclusion zone.
On Ukraine's Independence Day, the 68th exchange of prisoners of war took place, during which military personnel and eight civilian Ukrainians returned home. The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported that the number of Ukrainian defenders released from Russian captivity who were previously considered missing has significantly decreased compared to previous years.
The return of 185 Ukrainian defenders from Russian captivity indicates that efforts to free Ukrainians held in captivity continue. At the same time, it is important to provide the necessary support and rehabilitation to the returned citizens for their further successful recovery.