After Years in Russian Captivity, 84 Ukrainians Freed in Major Prisoner Swap — Some Held Since 2014

On Thursday, Aug. 14, Ukraine carried out its 67th prisoner exchange, returning 84 citizens from Russian captivity — 33 military personnel and 51 civilians — the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported, acting on the orders of the President of Ukraine.

This exchange was particularly significant, as among those freed were Ukrainians detained by Russian occupation forces even before the full-scale invasion. Some had been serving unlawful prison sentences of 10 to 18 years. The longest-held was a resident of Donetsk region who spent 4,013 days — nearly 11 years — in captivity since 2014.

Also returning home were those captured by Russia between 2016 and 2021. Among them were three women from Donetsk and Luhansk regions, including a primary school teacher imprisoned in 2019, and a 27-year-old man who was just 18 when he was taken prisoner.

Military personnel were also freed — defenders of Mariupol, servicemen of the Ukrainian Navy, and members of the State Border Guard Service, including 10 officers. Particularly moving was the release of two pairs of brothers who had been held since the spring of 2022.

Most of those freed suffer from health problems or disabilities. The youngest is 26 years old, while the oldest is 74, having spent the past seven years in a Russian prison.

President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to the Coordination Headquarters, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR), the security services, the Office of the President, and the United Arab Emirates for facilitating the exchange, emphasizing that efforts to bring Ukrainians home will continue:

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“Among those released are people who have been in captivity since 2014 and our defenders of Mariupol. Almost all require medical assistance and substantial rehabilitation. There will be more exchanges.”

All those freed will undergo medical examinations, receive treatment, financial support, and all necessary assistance to recover after long-term isolation in Russian captivity.

“The Coordination Headquarters continues its work. We are working to bring everyone home!” the statement reads.