First Stage of Prisoner Exchange Completed
The first stage of the prisoner exchange under the agreements made in Istanbul has been completed.
Today marked the exchange, with the first group of young servicemen, aged 25 and under, returning home.
This achievement is the result of the tireless efforts of the President of Ukraine, the negotiating team, and the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
Among the released are representatives from the Navy, Ground Forces, Territorial Defense Forces, Air Forces, Assault Troops, Border Service, National Guard, and the State Special Transport Service. All released individuals are enlisted personnel and sergeants.
Included among the released defenders are those who defended Mariupol and spent more than 3 years in captivity.
This is just the first part of a large-scale exchange that will continue according to the agreements reached.
This exchange involves specific categories of prisoners of war, including those under 25 years old, severely wounded, and gravely ill captives.
Work is also ongoing to repatriate the bodies of Ukrainian soldiers who lost their lives defending their homeland.
The returned defenders will be provided with all necessary support. Their documents will be restored, they will receive due financial compensation for the entire time in captivity, and a one-time assistance payment. They will also undergo a medical rehabilitation course.
The 66th prisoner exchange is ongoing. For security reasons, the final numbers of those released will be announced after the exchange process is completed.
Ukraine is consistently working toward implementing the “all for all” exchange formula across all categories.
