Photo: Ukraine held another prisoner exchange with Russia on March 19 (t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official) Author: Natalia Kava
Ukraine today, March 19, held another prisoner exchange with the Russian Federation. 175 defenders returned from enemy captivity, another 22 defenders are returning home thanks to events outside the exchanges.
This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“Today is another day when Ukraine is returning its own. 175 of our defenders have been released from Russian captivity. Another 22 defenders are returning home thanks to events outside of exchanges. Among them are the seriously wounded and soldiers who were persecuted by Russia for fictitious crimes. All will be immediately provided with the necessary medical and psychological assistance,” Zelensky wrote.
Zelensky noted that this is one of the largest exchanges in recent times. Soldiers, sergeants and officers were returned.
“Warriors who fought for our freedom in the ranks of the Armed Forces, Navy, National Guard, Territorial Defense Forces and Border Service. They defended Ukraine in various directions – in Mariupol, at Azovstal, in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, as well as Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Zaporizhia, Sumy and Kursk regions,” the president said.
Photo: Ukraine held another prisoner exchange with Russia on March 19 (t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official)
The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War clarified that among those released, three were under so-called “investigation,” which can be considered additional torture for both the Ukrainian servicemen and their families and friends.
Returning home and to their brothers:
- 149 soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
- 4 fighters from Troops;
- 11 military personnel from the Navy;
- 8 National Guardsmen, including three from Azov;
- three border guards.
Among those rescued from Russian captivity this time were 166 privates and sergeants and nine officers.
Past exchanges
Let us recall that the previous prisoner exchange took place on February 5. Then Ukraine returned 150 citizens from Russian captivity. Among those who were returned were soldiers, sergeants and officers.
Also, a prisoner exchange took place on January 15. Then Ukraine returned 25 of its citizens from Russian captivity. Among them were defenders of Mariupol and “Azovstal”, as well as a civilian.
Before this, the previous exchange took place on Monday, December 30, when Ukraine returned another 189 of its citizens from Russian captivity.
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