A significant number of prisoners were exchanged today. As a result, 103 defenders were released from enemy captivity, including 31 Azovstal defenders.

In particular, 28 soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 21 sailors, 38 National Guardsmen, 8 border guards, 4 policemen, 3 representatives of the State Special Transport Service, and 1 representative of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine were returned from captivity.

The instructions of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy conducted the exchange of prisoners. It was a collaborative effort involving 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 relevant agencies.

The Government of Ukraine extends its gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for their invaluable assistance in organizing the exchange.

It is customary for those who have been released from captivity to receive food packages and backpacks containing clothes, shoes, hygiene products, and a smartphone. These are prepared by the National Information Bureau in collaboration with the Ministry of Reintegration.

Furthermore, the NIB will facilitate the restoration of documents and SIM cards for those released from captivity. It will also assist them in collecting the necessary documents to receive one-time financial assistance of UAH 100,000 from the state.