Ukraine has taken another important step in returning its defenders — a group of severely ill military personnel has been brought home from Russian captivity
This event can be regarded as a new stage in the complex negotiations and diplomatic efforts ongoing for over a year within the framework of agreements signed in Istanbul. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced this in his official Telegram channel and confirmed it through the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War. According to him, among those released are servicemen from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, and the State Border Guard Service. They were captured in 2022 and spent a long time in captivity, often under harsh conditions and with significant health damages. Zelensky emphasized that most of them endured hated trials in Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernihiv regions, as well as in Kyiv region, fighting for the country's independence. The Coordination Headquarters notes that this time, another exchange of prisoners took place under the category of "seriously ill and wounded," in accordance with the agreements made recently in Istanbul. All the released Ukrainian defenders have significant medical issues caused by injuries, wounds, or conditions of captivity. They suffer from serious problems with weight, dystrophy, ulcers, eyesight, as well as complications related to the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular diseases, and digestive issues. Photographs circulated by the headquarters show the тяжкий стан (severe condition) of the released servicemen. Most of them were in captivity for over three years, and a significant number were captured during the defense of Mariupol — one of the fiercest and most brutal battles since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The defenders who have been liberated are mostly privates and sergeants, demonstrating extraordinary resilience and patriotism in the harshest conditions. Throughout their captivity, they endured not only physical hardships but also psychological stress, which complicates their recovery process. The freed individuals have returned home to their families in various regions of the country: Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, as well as Zaporizhzhia and Kyiv regions. They are currently undergoing comprehensive medical examinations to determine the extent of their treatment and rehabilitation needs. All will receive necessary assistance — both physical and psychological rehabilitation, as well as the social benefits provided by law and established for prisoners of war. Representatives of the Coordination Headquarters report that work on returning prisoners continues without interruption. In the coming weeks, a new stage of exchanges is planned, which will enable more Ukrainian heroes to be freed from the chains of captivity. This is yet another step in this complex but vital matter for the Ukrainian people and army, demonstrating the country’s resilience and unwavering will to restore justice and bring its defenders home.