Ukraine and Russia complete new round of prisoner exchange: Who was released
Photo: Ukraine and Russia have carried out a new stage of prisoner exchange (t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official)
On Tuesday, June 10, Ukraine and Russia conducted another prisoner exchange. Severely wounded and injured soldiers from certain categories, agreed upon during negotiations in Istanbul on June 2, were released, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"We continue returning our people, as agreed in Istanbul. Today marks the first stage of the return of our seriously wounded and injured soldiers from Russian captivity. All of them require immediate medical attention. This is an important humanitarian act," Zelenskyy said.
According to him, soldiers from various components of the Ukrainian Defense and Security Forces were returned: the Armed Forces, the National Guard, the State Border Service of Ukraine, and the State Special Transport Service.
"The exchanges must continue. We are doing everything we can to find and return every single person who is being held captive. I am grateful to everyone who is helping, the President said.
Photo: Ukraine and Russia have completed a new stage of prisoner exchange (t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official)
Who Ukraine returned
As clarified by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have returned to their homeland, including representatives from the Navy, Ground Forces, Territorial Defense, Air Assault Forces, Unmanned System Forces, Border Service, National Guard, and the State Special Transport Service.
Among the defenders freed today are those who defended Mariupol and spent over three years in captivity. In addition to soldiers and sergeants, officers were also released.
All defenders freed today suffer from severe injuries and serious illnesses: amputated limbs, vision problems, abscesses, infections, wounds, shrapnel injuries, and chronic diseases. Some of the freed have been diagnosed with hepatitis and tuberculosis.
The returned defenders will be taken to medical centers for all necessary examinations and then sent for further treatment and medical rehabilitation. All released individuals will receive necessary support, have their documents restored, and receive proper financial compensation for their time in captivity.
Photo: first images from the prisoner exchange on June 10 (t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official)
First videos from the prisoner exchange
The Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, has published videos from today's prisoner exchange.
Lubinets also showed a touching video featuring a defender who had been released from captivity.
"Ukraine has not forgotten us," said the returned defender.
Prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia
On June 2, during the second round of negotiations in Istanbul, the Ukrainian and Russian delegations agreed to conduct an all-for-all exchange. It will include seriously wounded, sick, and young soldiers between the ages of 18 and 25. According to Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, this exchange focuses on categories rather than numbers.
As President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated, there will definitely be a 1,000 for 1,000 exchange and, possibly, another 200 for 200 exchange. Moreover, the new exchange was not to be blind, meaning that the Ukrainian side insisted on the transfer of lists and verification.
Yesterday, June 9, the first stage of the prisoner exchange agreed upon in Istanbul took place. Among the categories of those who were returned were the wounded and seriously wounded, as well as those under the age of 25.
As noted by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, since the 66th prisoner exchange is ongoing, for security reasons, the final numbers of those released will be announced after the exchange process is complete.
