197 defenders of Ukraine returned from Russian captivity

This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Today is another day when Ukraine returns its own. 175 of our defenders have been released from Russian captivity. Another 22 defenders are returning home thanks to measures other than exchanges. Among them are the seriously wounded and soldiers whom Russia persecuted for fabricated crimes. All will be provided with the necessary medical and psychological assistance immediately.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

President of Ukraine

Zelensky noted that this is one of the largest exchanges in recent times. Soldiers, sergeants, and officers were returned.

Soldiers who fought for our freedom in the ranks of the Armed Forces, Navy, National Guard, Territorial Defense Forces and Border Guard Service. They defended Ukraine in various directions — in Mariupol, in Azovstal, in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson regions, as well as in Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Zaporizhia, Sumy and Kursk regions.

Three of the released were under so-called "investigation," which can be considered additional torture for both Ukrainian servicemen and their families and loved ones, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported.

Soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (149 of them and 4 from the Territorial Army), the Navy (11), the National Guard (8, including three from "Azov"), and three border guards are returning home and to their comrades.

Servicemen defended the city of Mariupol — 31 (including defenders of “Azovstal” — 18), Donetsk region — 74, Luhansk region — 39, Kharkiv region — 8, Kherson region — 5, two each — Mykolaiv region, Zaporizhia region, Sumy region, and participated in hostilities in Kursk region.

Among those rescued from Russian captivity this time were 166 privates and sergeants and nine officers.