Ukraine returns 189 citizens from Russian captivity
Illustrative photo: Ukraine and Russia exchange prisoners (t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official)
On Monday, December 30, Ukraine secured the return of 189 citizens from Russian captivity. These individuals include defenders from Azovstal and Mariupol, Chernobyl, Snake Island, and various frontline areas, according to the Telegram channel of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"Returning our people from Russian captivity is always very good news for each of us. Today is one of those days: our team managed to bring 189 Ukrainians home," Zelenskyy wrote.
According to him, among those returned are soldiers, sergeants, and officers. They include National Guardsmen, Azov fighters, border guards, territorial defense forces, and personnel from the Navy and Armed Forces.
The Coordination Headquarters on Prisoners of War Affairs clarified that this is the eleventh exchange of 2024. The United Arab Emirates acted as the intermediary in this exchange.
The released individuals include:
- 87 Armed Forces of Ukraine personnel (including 17 soldiers of the Territorial Defense);
- 43 National Guard of Ukraine personnel;
- 33 State Border Guard Service of Ukraine personnel;
- 24 Navy personnel
Prisoner exchange
Since the beginning of the full-scale war, Ukraine and Russia have conducted 58 prisoner exchanges. Over 3,500 Ukrainians have been returned from Russian captivity.
The last exchange of prisoners took place on the night of October 19. 95 Ukrainian soldiers returned home.
According to Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov, the priority for future prisoner exchanges with Russia will be severely wounded individuals, women, and all those who defended Azovstal.
