Zelensky Announces New Large-Scale Prisoner Exchange: Heroes Who Defended Ukraine Return Home

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky officially announced the latest prisoner exchange with Russia, marking an important step toward bringing back military personnel and civilians. According to the head of state, today those taken captive are being freed—heroes and defenders of Ukraine who fought valiantly in various regions of the country, including Donetsk and Mariupol, Luhansk, Kharkiv, and Kherson. These include members of the Armed Forces, National Guard, State Border Service, and the State Special Transport Service, as well as civilians held in captivity. Zelensky emphasizes that every return of prisoners is a significant event for Ukraine and that efforts are ongoing to facilitate exchanges and their rehabilitation. While details of the agreement and subsequent steps are classified, it is already clear that this operation is a vital part of restoring unity and integrity across Ukraine.