An important step has taken place in the process of returning Ukrainian prisoners of war: a video has appeared online, showing footage of the first group of fighters under 25 years old whom Ukraine has repatriated from captivity to their homeland
This occurred as part of the first stage of a large-scale exchange of prisoners of war, based on agreements made in Istanbul, which provides for mutual release of all military personnel under 25, as well as wounded and seriously ill soldiers on both sides. According to official information announced by Andriy Yusov, Deputy Head of the Coordination Headquarters, during a live broadcast of the national telethon, the return took place within the first wave of the exchange, which included over a dozen military personnel from various units of the Ukrainian armed forces. Yusov stated that among those released are young soldiers who had been held in captivity for up to three years. A significant number of them are from especially difficult areas, including Mariupol, indicating a high level of risk and complexity during their detention in Russian captivity. The Vice-Speaker emphasized that the condition of all prisoners varies due to the prolonged period of captivity. However, those who have returned home are already receiving all necessary medical and psychological assistance, as well as comprehensive rehabilitation. Additionally, active preparations are underway for new stages of the exchange, as work on their organizational and logistical support has already begun and is gaining momentum. Yusov warned that the coming days will be extremely intense—with a high influx of processes and security measures—but despite the challenges, Ukrainian authorities and military personnel are striving to achieve the most effective results. As the Coordination Headquarters previously reported, the first groups of released soldiers included representatives from different units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces: the Naval Forces, Ground Forces, Territorial Defense Forces, Air Forces, Air Assault Troops, Border Service, National Guard, and State Special Transport Service. All of them are enlisted personnel and non-commissioned officers. This is only the first part of the planned exchange, which is to proceed based on broad agreements reached at a high level, involving mutual release of all prisoners of war under 25 as well as wounded and seriously ill fighters. Significant attention is also being paid to the repatriation of the bodies of fallen soldiers fighting for Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity. According to the headquarters representatives, exchanges of bodies are conducted in ways that ensure safety and preserve the dignity of each deceased. Official data on the number of released and returned bodies will be published only after the entire exchange process is completed to avoid any risks and to maintain accuracy. It is expected that these negotiations and the return of young Ukrainian soldiers will become a defining step in restoring connections between the country and its defenders, as well as in boosting the morale of Ukrainian society during this difficult time. Visual confirmation—the released video—indicates that the process of return and rehabilitation is proceeding according to plan and gives hope for the faster recovery of all those fighting for Ukraine’s independence.