Tears of joy – Ukraine returns 106 Bakhmut defenders from captivity, many of whom were thought missing
Ukrainian military returned from captivity (Photo:Dmytro Lubinets / Telegram)
Ukraine returned 106 more defenders from Russian captivity, namely soldiers who fought near Bakhmut, the head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak reported on Telegram on May 25.
In total, eight officers and 98 soldiers and sergeants returned home.
Of the 106 returnees, 98 were members of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, including 21 from territorial defence, said the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War. Ukraine also released seven border guards and one soldier of the State Special Transport Service.
68 returned soldiers were considered missing in action.
According to the Coordination HQ, at least seven defenders have various injuries: bullet and shrapnel wounds, burns and fractures, and exacerbated chronic diseases.
"They fought for Bakhmut and accomplished a feat that prevented the enemy from advancing further into our east." Yermak said. “Each of them is a hero of our country.”
Ukraine also repatriated three bodies: two foreigners and a Ukrainian woman.
The last prisoner swap took place on May 6 when 45 Azovstal defenders returned home.
In total, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has released 2,430 people from Russian captivity, 139 of whom are civilians.
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