Another 175 Ukrainian defenders have been released from Russian captivity, and another 22 fighters are returning home thanks to measures outside of exchanges. About this informed President Volodymyr Zelenskyi.
"Among them are the seriously wounded and soldiers whom Russia has persecuted for fabricated crimes. All will be provided with the necessary medical and psychological assistance immediately," — he notes.
Zelensky emphasized that this is one of the largest exchanges.
"Our soldiers, sergeants and officers are returning. Warriors who fought for our freedom in the ranks of the Armed Forces, Navy, National Guard, Territorial Defense Forces and Border Guard Service. They defended Ukraine in various directions - in Mariupol, in Azovstal, in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson regions, as well as in Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Zaporizhia, Sumy and Kursk regions," added the President of Ukraine.
He expressed gratitude to those involved in the search for Ukrainian prisoners and exchanges, as well as to all of Ukraine's partners, especially the United Arab Emirates, for making today's exchange possible.
"Ukraine remembers each and every one of our heroes, and we will definitely return all our people home," — said Zelensky.
In turn, in the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported details about the return of our defenders. They note that 197 Ukrainians were released from captivity: 175 of our guys during the exchange and 22 during special events outside the exchanges.
"Three of those released were under so-called 'investigation,' which can be considered additional torture for both Ukrainian servicemen and their families and loved ones," — the message says.
The Coordination Headquarters reported that soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (149 of them and 4 from the Territorial Army), the Navy (11), the National Guard (8, including three from Azov), and three border guards are returning home.
Servicemen defended the city of Mariupol - 31 (including defenders of Azovstal - 18), Donetsk region - 74, Luhansk region - 39, Kharkiv region - 8, Kherson region - 5, two each - Mykolaiv region, Zaporizhia region, Sumy region, and participated in hostilities in Kursk region.
Among those rescued from Russian captivity this time were 166 privates and sergeants and nine officers.
Outside of the exchanges, 22 seriously wounded soldiers were returned: 21 representatives of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and one border guard.
"Those returned from captivity have health problems, serious injuries and traumas," — the Coordination Headquarters notes.
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