Today, Ukraine carried out another round of prisoner exchanges in accordance with the agreements made in Istanbul. The Coordination Headquarters, under the directive of the President, has returned a group of defenders categorized as “wounded and seriously ill” as well as those “under 25 years old” from Russian captivity.

The returned servicemen include members of the Navy, Ground Forces, Territorial Defense, Airborne Forces, Special Operations Forces, as well as personnel from the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service.

The youngest returned defender is just 20 years old, while the oldest is 59. In addition to soldiers and sergeants, officers were also freed.

Among those released today are defenders of Mariupol, held in captivity since 2022.

The vast majority of the released individuals had been in captivity for over 3 years.

The returning Ukrainians defended the country in the Donetsk, Kharkiv, Luhansk, and Kherson directions.

Today's exchange also included unlawfully convicted defenders and civilians deprived of their freedom.

The released individuals will undergo necessary medical examinations, receive assistance for physical and psychological rehabilitation, as well as all due compensations for their time in captivity.

The exchange process according to the “Istanbul agreements” continues, and the exact number of released individuals will be announced after all stages of the exchange are completed.

This stage of the exchange was conducted with the participation of the head of the Coordination Headquarters, Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov.

The Coordination Headquarters continues its work. We are dedicated to bringing everyone home!

Glory to Ukraine!