Successful Exchange: Ukrainian Soldiers and Civilians Return Home

Ukraine has successfully completed a new exchange, bringing back both military personnel and civilians. On Independence Day, upon the directive of the President, another prisoner exchange took place. As per the agreement made in Istanbul, Ukrainian soldiers were returned home, along with eight civilians. The released soldiers represent nearly all branches of the military: airborne troops, air force, navy, as well as territorial defense forces, National Guard, and State Border Service. Most of them spent over three years in captivity.

The returning military personnel defended key areas, including Mariupol, and others such as Chernobyl. Also returning are two Ukrainian journalists, Dmytro Khilyuk and Mark Kaliush, who were detained by the occupiers in 2022 and 2023. Among the released civilians is medic Serhiy Kovalov from the “Hospitallers” battalion, who saved lives during the siege of the Azovstal plant, and former mayor of Kherson Volodymyr Mykolaienko, who refused to collaborate with the occupiers.

We express gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for their assistance in organizing the return of our citizens. The released Ukrainians will receive comprehensive medical care, including examinations and treatments, as well as state benefits, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society after prolonged isolation in Russian captivity.

We sincerely thank all organizations and entities involved in the coordinated efforts to free our citizens. The Coordination Headquarters continues to work on locating, documenting, and returning everyone still held in Russian captivity.