Zelensky Announces Number of Ukrainians Recovered from captivity and Commemorates Victims on Remembrance Day
On the day Ukraine commemorates one of its darkest tragedies— the explosion at the Olenivka prison — President Volodymyr Zelensky made a significant statement regarding the fate of Ukrainian prisoners of war.
During a special session at the Coordination Headquarters for Prisoners of War, he highlighted the number of Ukrainians successfully brought back home from Russian captivity.
According to official figures, today about 5,857 individuals have been returned or are in the process of being repatriated.
Zelensky emphasized that the government and military efforts continue relentlessly to ensure the release of every Ukrainian held hostage.
He declared: "We will not stop our efforts until each patriot returns home, regardless of circumstances or length of captivity." This day, July 28, has become a solemn occasion to honor all detainees who lost their lives—either murdered, tortured, or executed— in prisons, camps, or on the battlefield.
The mass tragedy, which left a profound mark on the nation's conscience, is now commemorated annually to remind everyone of human suffering and the ongoing fight for freedom.
Discussions during the meeting also addressed the situation of the returned prisoners, their well-being, and further rehabilitation programs.
Among those already freed are paramedic Taira, human rights activist Lenie Umerova, as well as fighters from the Azov regiment, military personnel, and civilians.
President Zelensky stressed the importance of intensifying rehabilitation efforts and directed the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Health, and other relevant bodies to develop legislative initiatives expanding the rights and support for returnees.
The government has affirmed its commitment to continue working tirelessly until every Ukrainian held in captivity is freed.
This dedication is backed by current data indicating that Ukraine has recovered 5,857 prisoners of war.
Zelensky also called for increased efforts to rescue all captives and uphold the dignity of those affected by the war.
Additionally, military officer Sviatoslav 'Kalyna' Palamar suggested establishing a dedicated memorial day—July 28—to honor all victims of captivity, torture, or execution, transforming this date into a symbol of remembrance and resilience in the fight for Ukrainian independence.