Zelenskyy: Another 115 defenders of Ukraine return home from Russian captivity today
Another 115 of our defenders of Ukraine returned home from captivity today, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported. Among those released are nine illegally convicted defenders - naval sailors and three border guards, as well as 82 defenders of Mariupol.
"Another 115 of our defenders returned home today. These are soldiers of the National Guard, the Armed Forces, the Navy, the State Border Guard Service," the president wrote on Telegram.
"We remember each and every one. We are searching and making every effort to return everyone. I am grateful to each unit that replenishes our exchange fund. This brings closer the release of our military, our civilians from Russian captivity. I am grateful to our team and partners, the UAE for the fact that our people are returning home," Zelenskyy noted.
According to Western media reports, the United Arab Emirates provided humanitarian mediation efforts, and 115 servicemen captured in Kursk region were returned to Russia.
Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko wrote on Telegram: "Today, 115 defenders of Ukraine's Independence returned home. A total of 92 of them are servicemen of the Ministry of Internal Affairs system. Most of them are defenders of Mariupol. A total of 89 soldiers of the National Guard and three of the State Border Guard Service are already on their native land. Almost 90% of them are conscripts who were in captivity of the aggressor for more than two years. Now the guys are receiving all the necessary help and support. Finally, they are safe and will soon be able to hug their loved ones."
As reported by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War on Telegram, all those rescued during the 55th exchange were "conscripts, including those who fell into enemy captivity during the heroic defense of their native land in the first months of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022." It is reported that "among others, nine illegally convicted defenders were rescued. Naval sailors and three border guards were released, as well as 82 defenders of Mariupol (of which fifty defended Azovstal). All those rescued this time were soldiers, sergeants and sailors."
Also six National Guardsmen from the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant garrison, servicemen who defended Kyiv, Donetsk, Kherson and Luhansk regions returned home.
"The Ukrainian soldiers who were freed from enemy captivity today also took part in heavy fighting for Hostomel and the reserve command post of the General Staff in Kyiv region, and in Kherson region - for the Chonhar checkpoint on the administrative border with the temporarily occupied Crimea," the Coordination Headquarters reports.
It is noted that many of the released Ukrainian servicemen have health problems due to injuries, as well as due to Russia's failure to comply with the norms of International Humanitarian Law in captivity. "All of them will undergo a medical examination, the necessary treatment, receive psychological assistance, reintegrate into our society and receive appropriate payments," the statement said.
The Coordination Headquarters confirmed the information that the United Arab Emirates provided humanitarian mediation efforts. "We express our gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for mediation and assistance in organizing exchanges," the Coordination Headquarters statement said.
