Ukraine has carried out a new important exchange of prisoners of war, returning another group of defenders from Russian captivity
On June 26, in accordance with the Istanbul agreements, the Ukrainian side carried out another stage of the exchange of prisoners of war. The corresponding message was published by President Volodymyr Zelensky on his official Facebook page, and official information about the return of Ukrainian defenders home was also received from the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War. This is not the first such operation during the war, but each such step is evidence of Ukraine's unwavering will to return its citizens from captivity. "We continue the exchanges, another stage. Today, soldiers of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, and the State Border Service are returning. Most of them have been in captivity since 2022. We are doing everything to find everyone, to check information about each surname. Our goal is to return all of our people home. Thank you to everyone who helps us with this," the president emphasized in his statement. According to him, the Ukrainian authorities continue to work in an intensified mode to return every serviceman, every person who was captured by the enemy. This is a difficult process that requires the efforts of diplomats, volunteers and military specialists, but the common goal - to return everyone without exception - remains unchanged. In general, several dozen Ukrainians were released as part of the next exchange, some of whom have already undergone a medical examination and received the necessary assistance. Reviewing the situation, experts emphasize that such steps are a sign not only of humanitarian responsibility, but also an important element of Ukraine's diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and find ways for a further peaceful settlement of the conflict. Sources from official structures note that the process of returning prisoners will continue, and the Ukrainian side is determined to speed up this procedure as much as possible, using all possible diplomatic and legal tools. This is an important signal to the public - Ukrainian defenders will not be forgotten or ignored, and each of them will return home with dignity. Constant exchanges, diplomatic efforts and an active public position - all this helps Ukraine not only to save the lives and health of its citizens, but also to strengthen the morale of Ukrainian society. After all, each returned defender is a symbol of the country's unshakable will, its independence and desire for victory.