“Ninety-five Ukrainian defenders have returned to Ukraine and are now undergoing rehabilitation and post-isolation measures. They will soon return to their families,” he said.
Yusov added that Ukraine's defenders have already had the opportunity to contact their loved ones and are receiving the necessary assistance.
The HIU representative noted that Ukrainians returned from captivity in difficult conditions, unlike Russians.
He stated that the conditions for Ukrainian soldiers in Russian captivity are very harsh, with many violations of international conventions and agreements. He also described the contrasting receptions for Ukrainians and Russians returning from captivity.
"Ukrainians greet their own as heroes, which they are, because they voluntarily went to defend their country from Russian invaders. In contrast, Russians seem to be ashamed of their own returning home, as they went as occupiers, to rob and kill, and, at most, to make money," Yusov summarized.
"There are two big differences in the attitude towards lives and military personnel."
The 54th exchange of prisoners took place between Ukraine and Russia on July 17. Ninety-five Ukrainian defenders returned home, including soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, and border guards.
Most of the released soldiers had been held captive since 2022.