Freed from Russian captivity Ukrainian POWs in critical condition, some unable to walk - HUR
Andrii Yusov, Representative of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (Photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukrainian soldiers were returned from Russian captivity in critical condition. Many suffer from serious injuries and illnesses, and some are unable to move on their own, according to Andrii Yusov, a representative of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR).
According to him, many Ukrainian defenders returned from Russian captivity with amputated limbs, vision problems, infections, and chronic illnesses. Some are unable to move on their own and were immediately taken away by ambulance upon arrival in Ukraine.
"The conditions were extremely harsh. You can see in the footage the state our prisoners are in, but many are not visible on camera because they were taken straight to ambulances and are unable to move on their own," Yusov said.
Prisoner exchange
On Tuesday, June 10, Ukraine and Russia conducted another prisoner exchange. Severely wounded and injured soldiers from specific categories agreed upon during negotiations in Istanbul on June 2 were released.
According to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, the freed servicemen included members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including representatives of the Navy, Ground Forces, Territorial Defense, Air Assault Forces, State Border Guard Service, National Guard, and the State Transport Special Service.
Among those released were also defenders of Mariupol who had spent more than three years in captivity. In addition to enlisted and non-commissioned personnel, several officers were also freed.
All of the returned defenders suffer from serious injuries and severe illnesses, including amputated limbs, vision loss, abscesses, infections, trauma, shrapnel wounds, and chronic conditions. Some have been diagnosed with hepatitis and tuberculosis.
