The coordination headquarters has returned 4,578 pele from Russian captivity in three years

As reported by Ukrinform, this information was provided by the Coordination Headquarters on Facebook.

The Coordination Headquarters was established on March 11, 2022, as a temporary body to coordinate the work of various government agencies, security agencies and public organizations in accordance with Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 257. It was initially headed by Iryna Vereshchuk, but in late May, leadership was transferred to Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

Over three years, following the instructions of the President of Ukraine and conducting negotiations with Russia, the Headquarters carried out 61 exchanges.

“4,131 Pele were able to return to their loved ones in a land free from Russian occupation. In addition, 447 of our Pele were released from Russian captivity without an exchange,” the statement said.

The Coordination Headquarters initiated a number of significant changes aimed at improving interaction with families. Regional consultation centers were created in Kharkiv, Nikolaev, Vinnytsia and Lviv. A unique information system was also developed and implemented, along with a system of personal accounts for families.

Since 2024, due to changes in the Cabinet of Ministers' decree, the organization has also officially begun to deal with issues related to civilian hostages. In addition, thanks to the efforts of the negotiating group, the Coordination Headquarters facilitates the repatriation of the remains of fallen defenders.

Read also: Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner and ICRC Head Talk About Situation of Ukrainians in Russian Captivity and Occupation Conditions

Other important areas of work include public reception centres, rehabilitation and reintegration of released persons, provision of free legal and psychological assistance, organisation of international events, as well as projects such as “Pele of the Future”, “I Want to Live”, “I Want to Return to My People”, “I Want to Find”.

“Nevertheless, the main task of the Coordination Headquarters remains the release of military personnel and civilians from Russian captivity,” the organization emphasized.

As reported by Ukrinform, over three years of full-scale war, Ukraine has returned the remains of 7,017 fallen soldiers to their homeland.

Photo: Coordination Headquarters