Zelensky reports the return of hundreds of Ukrainians from captivity, most of whom were held for over a year
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a significant return of Ukrainian citizens from Russian captivity, which took place in June as part of prisoner exchange negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. According to the head of state, hundreds of Ukrainians, the majority of whom had been captured in 2022, returned home after a long and arduous struggle. Zelensky emphasized that these individuals come from diverse backgrounds and statuses, including young people, defenders of Mariupol, and those who held positions in Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, and Kyiv regions. Many of them were wounded, seriously ill, or reported missing. Their return marks a moral and political milestone for Ukraine. Zelensky also pointed out that civilians were included in the exchanges alongside military personnel, highlighting the scope and human dimension of this effort. He urged Ukrainians to remain hopeful and believe in the swift conclusion of this difficult fight for the liberation of all held captives.