300 Ukrainian servicemen returned to Ukraine from Russian captivity on March 6. Two civilians were also returned from captivity.
This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
According to the head of state, among those who returned today are soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, and border guards.
“Private soldiers, sergeants, officers. They defended Ukraine in various directions: Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhia, Kherson, and Mariupol. Most of them were in captivity for over a year, some since 2022,” Zelensky said.
He thanked all Ukrainian soldiers who ensure this result by replenishing the exchange fund for Ukraine at the front.
“Thank you to the entire team that worked for this result. I am grateful to the United States for its mediation. It is important that the agreements worked. We remember each and every one and we must definitely return all our people,” the president added.
The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported that among the soldiers released from captivity are representatives of the Ground Forces, the State Security Service, the Navy, the Territorial Defense Forces, the State Border Guard Service, the National Guard, the Air Force, the Unmanned Systems Forces, as well as the State Special Transport Service.
“The youngest released prisoner turned 26, the oldest – 60. In general, Ukrainians who fought in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhia and Kherson directions, as well as participated in the defense of Mariupol, are returning to their homeland,” they say.
Now the liberated defenders will be taken to medical centers for all necessary examinations, further treatment, and medical rehabilitation. They will be provided with the necessary assistance, documents, and proper monetary payments.
“We express our gratitude to the United States of America and the United Arab Emirates for their important mediation and assistance. We also thank all relevant structures and organizations for their assistance in implementing this exchange. The Coordination Headquarters continues its work! We are working on the return of everyone,” the Coordination Headquarters emphasized.
The department also noted that today's exchange was the second and final stage of the prisoner exchange, in accordance with the agreements reached between Ukraine and the Russian Federation at the negotiations in Geneva.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that on March 6, the Ukrainian side handed over 300 captured Russian military personnel to the Russian side. They are currently in Belarus, and will then be transported to Russia.
On March 5, Ukraine and the Russian Federation exchanged prisoners. 200 citizens — soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service, border guards, and National Guard — returned home from Russian captivity.