Why Ukraine keeps released prisoners numbers secret - Ukrainian intel explains
Photo: Representative of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine Andrii Yusov (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukrainian officials are deliberately withholding the number of defenders returned from Russian captivity during the major prisoner exchange, as any public comment could impact the process, said Andrii Yusov, a representative of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence.
"Negotiations continued for days under extremely difficult conditions. They were accompanied by an intense information attack from the enemy, a disinformation campaign, and attempts to pressure the families of our captured defenders. We are not disclosing any figures at this moment, and that is very important. I want to emphasize: until the exchange is fully completed, it is critical not to comment on specific numbers," Yusov stated.
He also appealed to experts, anonymous Telegram channels, and media sources to refrain from spreading unverified information about the prisoner exchange.
"If you act in Ukraine's interests and care about our defenders, don't spread unverified data or comment on numbers until all stages are completed. This directly affects the process," emphasized the Defense Intelligence representative.
Ukraine-Russia POW exchange
On June 10, Ukraine and Russia conducted a new prisoner exchange. Ukraine secured the release of severely wounded and ill servicemen from categories agreed upon during the June 2 negotiations in Istanbul.
Those freed include soldiers from the Armed Forces of Ukraine - Navy, Ground Forces, Territorial Defense, Air Assault Forces, State Border Guard, National Guard, Security Service, and the State Special Transport Service.
Among the released are defenders of Mariupol, some held captive for over three years. In addition to privates and sergeants, several officers were also freed.
All the returned prisoners suffer from serious injuries and illnesses - amputated limbs, vision problems, abscesses, infections, shrapnel wounds, and chronic diseases. Some have been diagnosed with hepatitis and tuberculosis.
Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War stated that 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.
