Today, the largest exchange of prisoners of war since the full-scale invasion took place. As a result, 224 military personnel and 6 civilians are returning home. Among those released from captivity are 225 men and 5 women. 

The Ukrainian Armed Forces released a total of 130 individuals from captivity, including 14 terrorists and 14 Ukrainian Navy servicemen. Additionally, 55 National Guardsmen, 38 Border Guardsmen, and 1 representative of the National Police were also released.

Out of those returned, 182 individuals had their official prisoner-of-war status confirmed by the International Committee of the Red Cross. Additionally, 48 Ukrainian servicemen were considered missing and classified as ‘search for a person’.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, instructed the exchange of prisoners. The President’s Office, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Reintegration, and other agencies worked together to carry out the exchange.

Those who are released from captivity traditionally receive backpacks containing clothes, shoes, hygiene products, and a smartphone. The National Information Bureau, in conjunction with the Ministry of Reintegration, prepares these backpacks.

The NIB will assist those released from captivity restore their documents and SIM cards. Additionally, it will help collect documents to receive one-time financial assistance of UAH 100,000 from the state.