Ukraine secures freedom for 189 soldiers in major swap
Ukraine carried out a prisoner exchange with Russia, recovering 189 soldiers, including defenders of Azovstal and Snake Island, President Volodymyr Zelensky informed.
Ukraine conducted a prisoner exchange with Russia, resulting in the return of 189 soldiers to the country. Among them were defenders of Azovstal and Snake Island. This information was conveyed by President Zelensky, emphasizing that it is an important day for many Ukrainian families. The Russian side had earlier informed about an exchange in the format of 150 for 150.
Exchange thanks to international support
President Zelensky indicated that the exchange was possible due to the mediation of international partners, including the United Arab Emirates. Among those released were also soldiers defending the Chernobyl power plant and two civilians captured in Mariupol.
The Ukrainian War Prisoners Coordination Headquarters reported that this was one of the largest exchanges since the beginning of the Russian invasion in February 2022. Since then, 3,956 people have returned to their homeland, with 1,358 in the current year.
Many of the released had been in Russian captivity for over two and a half years. The defenders suffer from chronic illnesses and serious injuries. The previous prisoner exchange took place on October 18, when 95 people from each side returned to their country.
President Zelensky expressed joy at the return of the prisoners, stressing that each one was awaited by their family. "The return of our people from Russian captivity is always very good news for each of us. And today is one of such days: our team managed to bring 189 Ukrainians home," Zelensky wrote on Telegram. This information was reported by Sky News.
