On Monday, June 9, Ukraine officially launched the long-awaited large-scale process of exchanging prisoners of war with Russia, which was agreed upon the day before at a conference in Istanbul
This was the first stage of a multi-step operation aimed at returning Ukrainian defenders held in Russian captivity home. According to official information released by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on his Telegram channel, this process is extremely complex and requires careful preparation and ongoing negotiations. The head of state emphasizes that Ukrainian authorities are doing everything possible to fully implement the agreements, including those related to humanitarian issues — including the agreements reached during the Istanbul meeting. Zelenskyy also noted that many negotiations are conducted daily, and the process of returning Ukrainian citizens to their homeland continues without pause. As of today, it is known that the first group of released military personnel has already returned home. These are young defenders, most of whom are under 25 years old. The returning soldiers represent various military units: the Navy, Ground Forces, Territorial Defense Forces, Air Forces, Air Assault Forces, Border Service, National Guard, and State Special Transport Service. All of them are rank-and-file soldiers and non-commissioned officers, including defenders of Mariupol who were held in Russian captivity for over three years. This is the first part of the coordinated exchange, which involves the return of precisely this category of military personnel. The Coordination Headquarters emphasizes that, due to security considerations and operational confidentiality, the final figures regarding the number of released individuals will only be announced after the entire exchange process is completed. At the same time, it is confirmed that the return primarily involves young and severely wounded fighters — including those who suffered serious injuries and illnesses, as well as some military personnel who had been in captivity for over three years. The defenders who have already returned to their homeland will receive all necessary guarantees and assistance. This includes restoring their documents, paying appropriate compensation for time in captivity, and providing material one-time aid. Additionally, they will undergo medical rehabilitation to ensure their physical and psychological well-being after prolonged captivity. All returned Ukrainian military personnel will be supported to help them quickly adapt to peaceful life and continue the fight for Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity. The discussion of this large-scale exchange continues and will proceed in the coming days and weeks. Given the complexity and sensitivity of the process, final figures and details will be disclosed only after all stages are completed to ensure the safety of participants and to avoid additional risks. Work is also ongoing on repatriating the bodies of fallen heroes, who died fighting for the country’s freedom and independence. This exchange is the first step toward returning many Ukrainians who are still in captivity or imprisonment in Russia and its occupation authorities. It demonstrates a high level of diplomatic and volunteer efforts, as well as the country’s strong commitment — to bring back everyone who carries in their hearts love for Ukraine and is willing to fight for this land until the last. Authorities assure that they will do everything possible to return all Ukrainian citizens, regardless of the circumstances of their captivity.