Ukraine Secures Prisoner Exchange, Prioritizes Full Return of Captives – World Today News
Kyiv, Ukraine – july 4, 2025 – In a significant development, Ukraine has successfully completed another prisoner exchange with Russia, bringing home a new group of its defenders [[source]]. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the exchange, highlighting that the majority of those released had been held in Russian captivity as 2022 [[source]].
The returned individuals represent a diverse range of Ukrainian forces, including members of the armed Forces, National Guard, State Border Service, State Special Transport Service, and even civilians who were unlawfully detained. They served in key regions including Donetsk, Mariupol, Luhansk, Kharkiv, and Kherson [[source]].Key Details of the Exchange:
Long-Held Captives: Many of those freed have been in captivity for over three years. Missing in Action: the exchange included soldiers previously listed as missing in action. Sentenced soldiers: Individuals who received lengthy sentences from russian courts were also secured in the exchange.
Vulnerable Groups: The exchange prioritized the return of wounded, seriously ill, and younger soldiers (with the youngest being only 20 years old) [[source]].
* Officer Return: The exchange also successfully brought home Ukrainian officers, including defenders of Mariupol who have been held since 2022.
“Our people are at home,” President Zelensky stated, emphasizing that the ultimate goal remains the complete liberation of all Ukrainians held captive by Russia [[source]]. He expressed gratitude to all those involved in facilitating the exchange and reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to continuing these efforts.
Dmitry Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliament’s Human Rights Commissioner, noted the unique aspects of this exchange, underscoring the complexities involved in securing the release of these individuals [[source]].
Stay tuned to World Today News for further updates on the ongoing conflict and Ukraine’s efforts to secure the release of its citizens.
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