Ukraine brings home 205 prisoners of war in first stage of 1,000-for-1,000 swap with Russia
Ukraine and Russia completed the first phase of a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange on May 15, returning 205 Ukrainian soldiers from Russian captivity, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced.
The Coordinating Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported that this is the first stage of the "1000 for 1000" exchange, in accordance with agreements reached through U.S. mediation.
Those freed include soldiers from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service. Most had been held in Russian captivity since 2022, having defended Ukraine in Mariupol, at the Azovstal steel plant, and along the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, and Kyiv fronts, as well as at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets noted that 95% of those returned today were captured in 2022 — that is, 193 defenders out of 205.
Most of those released today were enslaved during the defense of Mariupol. Among those released today is a National Guardsman who was captured at the Chornobyl NPP.
The headquarters added that, in addition to soldiers and sergeants, more than 50 officers were able to return home. Previously, the military intelligence said that returning officers was "especially difficult."
The youngest released defender turned 21, the oldest - 62. And two of the returnees are celebrating their birthdays today: they are 40 and 36 years old.
All those released will undergo a full medical examination, receive assistance with physical and psychological rehabilitation, as well as all state benefits.
What is known about the "1000 for 1000" exchange?
Ukraine and Russia agreed, with U.S. mediation, to a three-day ceasefire and an exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side.
Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets had previously said that Ukraine completed its preparations for the swap and submitted the required lists, but that the process was being delayed by Russia's position.