Ukraine brings home 200 prisoners of war in latest exchange with Russia
Ukraine returned 200 prisoners of war from Russian captivity in the latest exchange, including Mariupol defenders held nearly four years, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on X.
Among those returning from captivity are defenders of Mariupol, and the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. The freed Mariupol defenders spent nearly four years in captivity.
Among them are soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including representatives of the Naval Forces, Land Forces, Territorial Defense Forces, Unmanned Systems Forces, Air Assault Forces, Air Force, as well as the National Guard of Ukraine, State Border Guard Service, and State Special Transport Service.
Mostly soldiers and sergeants are returning home, but officers were also freed.
“Every time our people come home, it proves that Ukraine is working to bring everyone back. No one is forgotten. We involve mediators. I am grateful to everyone who helps Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said.
According to the Ombudsman, the oldest freed prisoner is now 59 years old, the youngest 27.
“Another interesting detail: 18 of the returned defenders have celebrated or will celebrate their birthdays in March,” Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported.
According to the Ombudsman, many of the freed prisoners are in serious psychological condition. Some have critically low body weight. Those released from captivity will undergo full medical examination, receive physical and psychological rehabilitation assistance and all state-provided payments.
The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported that this is only the first stage of the prisoner exchange agreed upon during talks in Geneva.
President Zelenskyy previously stated that approximately 7,000 Ukrainians are currently held in Russian captivity, while Ukraine holds about 4,000 Russian prisoners. He emphasized that Ukraine is ready for an “all-for-all” exchange.