Ukrainian soldier gets the ultimate birthday gift - Freedom from Russian captivity
Prisoner exchange (photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
One of the soldiers was released from Russian captivity on his birthday. As his first gift, he received an embroidered shirt, according to the head of the Office of the President, Andriy Yermak.
"The best gift he had dreamed of all this time was to return home," Yermak wrote.
When he stepped off the bus, he was greeted with the words: "Welcome, hero! Happy birthday to you." He was also immediately offered to take off his sweatshirt and put on the embroidered shirt. As a gift, the man received an icon.
@ministry_of_defense_ua До сліз! День народження у день звільнення! #обмінполоненими #нашівдома #поверненнядодому оригінальний звук - Міністерство оборони України
Prisoner exchange on June 10
As a reminder, on June 10, Ukraine and Russia conducted another prisoner exchange, returning severely wounded and injured Ukrainian servicemen, as agreed during negotiations in Istanbul. Among those freed are defenders of Mariupol, who spent more than three years in captivity. All of them require medical assistance and will be sent for treatment and rehabilitation.
It should be noted that this stage of the exchange took place under the agreements reached between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations on June 2 in Istanbul. This time, the returnees are severely wounded, ill, and young soldiers aged 18 to 25. The Ukrainian side insisted this not be a "blind exchange"—lists had to be provided and verified.
