President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the return of 175 Ukrainian servicemen and seven civilians from Russian captivity.
The group of defenders and civilians arrived back on Ukrainian soil in a significant prisoner exchange, bringing relief to families who had waited anxiously for news of their loved ones.
This latest swap marks another step in efforts to bring Ukrainians home, with the released servicemen including soldiers from various branches of the armed forces. The civilians were also freed as part of the agreement.
Zelenskyy welcomed the news, highlighting the joy of seeing more Ukrainians reunited with their families after long periods in captivity. The exchange demonstrates continued diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to secure the release of those held since the start of the full-scale war.
While exact details of the negotiations behind this release remain limited, it represents a positive development amid the ongoing conflict. Many of the freed individuals are now receiving medical and psychological support as they begin the process of reintegration.
The return of these 182 Ukrainians brings renewed hope to thousands of families still waiting for their relatives to come home.