As part of the complex process of liberating Ukrainian defenders from Russian captivity, a new important exchange took place, which served as another testament to the intricacy and multifaceted nature of these negotiations
This phased exchange raised additional questions and reflections regarding the situation with missing soldiers, as some of them had previously been officially declared missing and did not return home during earlier agreements. According to information published by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in his official Telegram channels, on June 12, the Ukrainian side took another step in bringing its citizens back. With the support of international partners, particularly within the framework of the Istanbul arrangements, a group of military personnel who had been declared missing over time was returned to Ukraine. It is important to note that among those released are defenders who sustained serious injuries and suffer from severe illnesses, complicating their treatment and rehabilitation. The process of the exchange was particularly complex and lengthy, as many of the prisoners require urgent medical assistance and prolonged rehabilitation. The issue of missing persons is becoming increasingly relevant, as the fates of many Ukrainian soldiers who have disappeared without a trace since Russia’s aggression against Ukraine remain unknown. Ukraine continues to strive to establish the names and locations of each of them. Sources — President Volodymyr Zelensky on Telegram and the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War emphasize that this operation is yet another step toward returning our defenders and forms part of a nationwide system for the search and reintegration of soldiers who went missing during combat. Further developments in this story are expected over time, as the topic of missing persons remains one of the most painful for Ukrainian society and the state. Preserving the memory of those killed and searching for living soldiers who still remain outside Ukrainian control continue to be priority areas in the activities related to prisoner exchanges and the search for missing persons. Authorities and volunteers are working to ensure that everyone involved in this brutal war receives their name and has the opportunity to return home. Each such return is not only physical rehabilitation but also an important victory in the fight for justice and dignity for the Ukrainian people.