Ukraine Brings Home 160 Prisoners of War in Latest Exchange, President Zelenskyy Announces

Release of Service Members from Russian Captivity

According to Главком: On June 26, 2026, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the return of 160 Ukrainian service members from Russian captivity. Since the start of the full-scale war, Ukraine has successfully brought back more than 9,500 individuals, including 1,596 who were freed in 2026 alone. Among those released on June 26 are 115 defenders of Mariupol, 58 officers, and 16 troops from the Azov Corps units.

President Zelenskyy emphasized that nearly all of those freed on June 26 had been held captive since 2022. In his address, he stated:

'We continue to bring people back from Russian captivity: today, another 160 military personnel are home. Almost all of them had been in captivity since 2022. Defenders of Mariupol, Azovstal, the entire Donetsk region, and other frontlines. Zaporizhzhia, Kyiv region, Sumy region. We must bring back every single person-both military and civilian-still held in Russian bondage. We are checking every name.' Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War provided additional details about the released individuals. The President also stressed the importance of reintegration and support for the returnees:

'Our offensive operations on the front lines and our ability to repel Russian assaults are what make it possible to bring our people back from Russia. Since the start of the full-scale war, we have already brought back more than 9,500 people. Just this year alone, that number includes 1,596 Ukrainian men and women. We are also preparing for the next stages.' Volodymyr Zelenskyy

One of those released is a border guard who saw his newborn son for the first time during a video call-a moment that highlights the deeply emotional nature of returning from captivity. The state’s efforts to secure the release of prisoners of war remain a top priority, and Ukrainian leadership continues to work toward freeing everyone still held in Russian custody.

The Significance of Freeing Service Members

Freeing service members from Russian captivity represents a crucial step in restoring national dignity and sustaining the morale of Ukrainian society. The return of such large groups of troops reflects the active efforts of Ukrainian authorities in prisoner exchanges, a matter of immense importance for the families waiting for their loved ones.

Future release stages may depend on developments at the front and the level of international support Ukraine receives in this area.

The recent return of 160 service members underscores Ukraine's ongoing efforts to secure the release of its citizens from Russian captivity. This operation is part of a larger strategy, as the nation has successfully repatriated over 9,500 individuals since the onset of the conflict. For more details on the soldiers released during this exchange and their stories, read more about the soldiers who have been held since 2022.