Prisoner exchange: Ukraine returns 25 military and civilians home

Prisoners who were returned to Ukraine. Photo: GRU

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the return from captivity of 25 Ukrainian civilians and military personnel, including defenders of Mariupol and «Azovstal».

«Today, 25 more of our people are returning home to Ukraine. These are our military and civilians. Among them are the defenders of Mariupol and «Azovstal», as well as our Kharkiv, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. The guys have serious injuries and illnesses. Each of them will receive all the necessary medical care», he wrote.

The President thanked the United Arab Emirates for their assistance and assistance in the exchange.

Prisoners who were returned to Ukraine. Photo: GRU

Prisoners who were returned to Ukraine. Photo: GRU

Prisoners who were returned to Ukraine. Photo: GRU

The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine noted that the defenders fought as part of the National Guard, the Armed Forces (including territorial defence), the Navy and the State Border Guard Service. In addition, they managed to return the soldiers wounded during the Kursk operation.

«The youngest released is 24 years old. The oldest is 60. These people have been through a lot without proper medical care and inhumane treatment in enemy captivity. The wounded have, among other things, loss of vision, amputations, complex bullet wounds and the consequences of mine injuries. Among the diseases are tuberculosis, oncology, and gangrene, which is a clear indication of the conditions in which our people have to live», the agency added.

As a reminder, on Sunday, 12 January, a peaceful action was held in Mykolaiv to remind people of the Ukrainian Armed Forces prisoners of war and missing persons.