Large-Scale Prisoner Exchange Between Ukraine and Russia: New Stages and Reintegration Challenges
Since early June, the ongoing prisoner exchange process between Ukraine and Russia has intensified, marking the occurrence of eight distinct stages within just a few weeks. During these exchanges, hundreds of Ukrainian citizens have managed to return home, highlighting the persistent efforts of Ukrainian authorities and diplomacy in this area. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that these efforts have led to the liberation of many servicemen, including young and severely wounded defenders of Mariupol, soldiers who fought on the Kyiv front, and those held in various regions such as Donetsk, Luhansk, Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv. Notably, most of these individuals have been in Russian captivity since 2022, which complicates their reintegration process. Zelensky emphasized that this achievement is the result of extensive and persistent work by a large team of Ukrainian diplomats, military personnel, and volunteers, all committed to ensuring every soldier and civilian can return home safely. Repatriation is only the first step; providing comprehensive support for reintegration is crucial to prevent secondary trauma and help returnees adapt to peaceful life. Ukrainian military psychologist Olena Sek notes that this process requires a holistic approach, as returning from captivity involves not just physical recovery but also psychological and emotional rehabilitation. The policies surrounding prisoner exchanges and subsequent reintegration efforts are vital to restoring not only bodies but also lives and societal trust, paving the way for genuine recovery and unity.