Ukraine returns 197 defenders from Russian captivity
Category
Ukraine
Publication date

Ukraine returns 197 defenders from Russian captivity

Volodymyr Zelenskyi
defenders of Ukraine

Ukraine held another prisoner exchange with the Russian Federation on March 19. 175 defenders returned from enemy captivity, and another 22 defenders are returning home thanks to measures outside of the exchanges.

Points of attention

  • President Zelenskyy announces a significant prisoner exchange where 197 defenders of Ukraine were successfully returned from Russian captivity.
  • Among the returned defenders were 166 privates, sergeants, and nine officers who participated in hostilities in various regions of Ukraine.
  • The exchanged prisoners received necessary medical and psychological assistance, emphasizing Ukraine's commitment to supporting its defenders.

197 defenders of Ukraine returned from Russian captivity

This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Today is another day when Ukraine returns its own. 175 of our defenders have been released from Russian captivity. Another 22 defenders are returning home thanks to measures other than exchanges. Among them are the seriously wounded and soldiers whom Russia persecuted for fabricated crimes. All will be provided with the necessary medical and psychological assistance immediately.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

President of Ukraine

Zelensky noted that this is one of the largest exchanges in recent times. Soldiers, sergeants, and officers were returned.

Prisoner of war exchange

Soldiers who fought for our freedom in the ranks of the Armed Forces, Navy, National Guard, Territorial Defense Forces and Border Guard Service. They defended Ukraine in various directions — in Mariupol, in Azovstal, in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson regions, as well as in Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Zaporizhia, Sumy and Kursk regions.

Three of the released were under so-called "investigation," which can be considered additional torture for both Ukrainian servicemen and their families and loved ones, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported.

Soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (149 of them and 4 from the Territorial Army), the Navy (11), the National Guard (8, including three from "Azov"), and three border guards are returning home and to their comrades.

Servicemen defended the city of Mariupol — 31 (including defenders of “Azovstal” — 18), Donetsk region — 74, Luhansk region — 39, Kharkiv region — 8, Kherson region — 5, two each — Mykolaiv region, Zaporizhia region, Sumy region, and participated in hostilities in Kursk region.

Among those rescued from Russian captivity this time were 166 privates and sergeants and nine officers.

By staying online, you consent to the use of cookies files, which help us make your stay here even better 

Based on your browser and language settings, you might prefer the English version of our website. Would you like to switch?