130 Ukrainian defenders return from Russian captivity in Easter exchange
Another 130 Ukrainian defenders returned from Russian captivity (Photo:КШППВ / Telegram)
An Easter prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia resulted in the return of 130 Ukrainian defenders, the head of the Ukrainian President’s Office, Andriy Yermak, reported on Telegram on April 16.
He said the exchange took place over the past few days in several stages.
According to the coordination headquarters overseeing prisoners of war, a total of 92 servicemen from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 20 members of territorial defense forces, 11 National Guard soldiers, three border guards, and two representatives each from the Naval Forces and the State Special Transport Service have returned home.
All of the released defenders were privates or sergeants. The majority had served in the Bakhmut and Soledar areas, as well as in Zaporizhzhya, Kherson, and Luhansk oblasts while defending Ukraine.
Of the 130 released defenders, 48 had been considered missing in action, according to the coordination headquarters.
The oldest released defender was 58 years old, while the youngest was only 21.
Notably, two brothers who fought in the Bakhmut area were also released from captivity.
The previous prisoner exchange was held on April 10, during which 100 Ukrainian defenders were returned home from Russian captivity.
“All of them will be able to celebrate Easter,” the coordination headquarters said.
“Together with the whole country, we welcome the rescued defenders back to their homeland and will not stop our efforts to release all Ukrainian captives.”
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