The first prisoner exchange of 2026 took place in Ukraine, with 157 Ukrainians returning home, including military personnel and civilians. Some of those released had been held in Russian captivity since 2022. This was reported by the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov.
The first prisoner exchange of 2026: who was successfully returned
According to the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, the operation was lengthy and complicated but yielded results. Of the 157 released, 139 had been in captivity for over three years.
Among those who returned:
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19 illegally convicted Ukrainian defenders
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15 soldiers sentenced to life imprisonment
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defenders of Mariupol
On the day of the exchange, the released individuals were able to hear the voices of their loved ones and embrace their relatives. They will now undergo treatment and rehabilitation.
The 2026 prisoner exchange: the story of a fighter believed to be dead
It is separately reported about a military person who was considered dead since September 2022. In May 2023, after a DNA test, even his funeral took place.
The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War explained that such cases are possible because the Russian side often changes remains during repatriation. This complicates identification and leads to tragic mistakes.
The Main Intelligence Directorate emphasized that the release of all citizens of Ukraine remains a priority in every negotiation. Thanks were also expressed to the team of the Coordination Headquarters and international partners, particularly the United States of America and the United Arab Emirates, for mediation and assistance.
We remind you that it became known which occupiers Ukraine does not exchange prisoners with.