Over 8,000 Ukrainians Freed in Prisoner Exchanges During Four-Year Effort, Says Budanov

Prisoner Returns and Milestone for Coordination Headquarters

According to Главком: Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Ukraine's Office of the President, has announced the ongoing work to repatriate prisoners of war and marked the anniversary of the Coordinating Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War. This body has facilitated more than 70 prisoner exchanges over its four years of operation, securing the release of over 8,000 Ukrainian citizens from Russian captivity, including both military personnel and civilians.

Budanov, who has led the Coordinating Headquarters for over three years, stressed the critical importance of this mission, stating:

“Today, we continue our work to bring Ukrainian citizens back from captivity. Our shared goal remains unchanged: to bring everyone home.” - Kyrylo Budanov

He also highlighted the Headquarters' achievements, noting:

“But today we can confidently say: we have succeeded. Over four years, the Coordinating Headquarters has conducted more than 70 prisoner exchanges. More than 8,000 citizens-both military and civilian-have been freed from Russian captivity.” - Kyrylo Budanov

Recent Prisoner Swaps

The latest exchange occurred on March 5, with Ukraine and Russia conducting a 200-for-200 swap. This resulted in 200 Ukrainians returning home, while 200 Russian military personnel were handed over to the Russian side. These exchanges are a complex and delicate diplomatic process, often involving third-party mediation. Budanov expressed gratitude to all involved in the liberation efforts, stating:

• “For over three years, I have had the honor of leading the Coordinating Headquarters. I sincerely thank the entire team and everyone involved in the great cause of freeing our citizens.”
• “Special thanks to the families of the prisoners. Your endurance, resilience, and unwavering faith are an inspiration and a tremendous help.”

The continued operation of the Coordinating Headquarters underscores the priority Ukraine places on protecting the rights and freedoms of its citizens caught in dire circumstances. Prisoner exchanges form part of Ukraine's broader strategy to ensure national security and restore territorial integrity. Beyond the vital human impact of reuniting families, these initiatives serve to bolster national morale during a prolonged and brutal conflict.