Ukrainian defenders from military, National Guard, and border forces returned from Russian captivity

According to Zelenskyy, most of the released fighters had been held as prisoners of war since 2022.

“We’re doing everything to find everyone, to verify information on every name. We must bring all of ours home. I thank everyone helping us do this,” Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram.

Prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and the aggressor state Russia took place on June 9, 10, 12, 14, 19, and 20. Among those returned were severely ill and wounded defenders, service members under the age of 25, and soldiers previously listed as missing in action.

In addition, under agreements reached in Istanbul, Russia transferred the bodies of fallen Ukrainian defenders between June 11 and 16. According to the Coordination Headquarters, approximately 6,057 bodies have been returned to Ukraine.

Andrii Yusov, deputy head of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, said the number of individuals returned from Russian captivity is not being disclosed, as any public comments could affect the process.

He also noted that Ukraine and Russia will carry out as many rounds of prisoner exchanges as necessary to fulfill the agreements reached in Istanbul on June 2.