On the eve of Easter, April 19, Ukraine and Russia conducted a major prisoner exchange, with 277 Ukrainian defenders released from Russian captivity.
President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on Telegram:
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“Ours are home – one of the best pieces of news there can be. Another 277 soldiers have returned from Russian captivity.”
Those released include servicemen from the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), the National Guard, the State Special Transport Service, and the State Border Guard Service. Many had defended Mariupol and fought in the Donetsk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Luhansk regions.
“I thank everyone who made this return possible. I am especially grateful to the United Arab Emirates for their mediation,” Zelensky added.
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, 4,552 individuals – both military and civilian – have been brought back from captivity.
“We remember everyone still in captivity. We are looking for every single one. We must bring everyone home,” Zelensky said.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported on Telegram that 77 of the returned individuals were from his ministry’s ranks – 73 National Guardsmen and four border guards.
“The vast majority had been in captivity for almost three years,” he wrote.
Among those freed is the oldest guard, who is about to turn 61.
“For the first time in a long time, he will celebrate his birthday with family,” Klymenko wrote.
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The youngest is just 20 years old.
“We will take care of our defenders. They’ll receive all necessary help and support to recover as soon as possible,” the minister added.
Meanwhile, the Russian defence ministry reported that 246 Russian soldiers returned during the swap.
“In return, 246 Ukrainian prisoners of war were handed over. Also, 31 wounded prisoners of war were handed over in exchange for 15 wounded Russian prisoners of war needing urgent medical help,” the statement read.
A Kyiv Post correspondent was present during the transfer of released Ukrainian defenders to a medical facility in one of the border towns.
These photos capture the seriously wounded among those who were freed.
Seriously wounded released POWs / Photo: Sergii Kostezh, Kyiv Post
These photos show people waiting to welcome the released prisoners.
Kyiv Post correspondent also captured emotional reunions between the released prisoners and their families, group photos, and their first phone calls after captivity.
Photos: Sergii Kostezh, Kyiv Post
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