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Ukraine Brings Back 277 Soldiers in New POW Exchange With Russia

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Ivan_khomenko
Ivan Khomenko
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Ukraine Brings Back 277 Soldiers in New POW Exchange With Russia
Hundreds of Ukrainian POWs draped in national flags gather after their release from Russian captivity. (Source: Zelenskyy/Telegram)

On April 19, Ukraine and Russia conducted a prisoner exchange, resulting in the return of 277 Ukrainian defenders. The exchange was facilitated by the United Arab Emirates, according to official statements from both sides.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the exchange in a Telegram post, stating that among those released are members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, the State Special Transport Service, and border guards.

Recently freed Ukrainian servicemen sit inside a bus after their return from Russian captivity. (Source: Zelenskyy/Telegram)
Recently freed Ukrainian servicemen sit inside a bus after their return from Russian captivity. (Source: Zelenskyy/Telegram)

Many of the returned servicemembers had taken part in the defense of Mariupol and operated in areas across Donetsk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Luhansk regions.

According to Zelenskyy, a total of 4,552 individuals—both military personnel and civilians—have been returned to Ukraine from Russian captivity since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022.

A Ukrainian defender smiles after being released from Russian captivity, wearing the national flag. (Source: Zelenskyy/Telegram)
A Ukrainian defender smiles after being released from Russian captivity, wearing the national flag. (Source: Zelenskyy/Telegram)

Russia’s Ministry of Defense also confirmed the exchange, stating that 246 Russian servicemen had been returned from Ukrainian captivity.

One of the freed Ukrainian POWs embraces a loved one upon return. (Source: Zelenskyy/Telegram)
One of the freed Ukrainian POWs embraces a loved one upon return. (Source: Zelenskyy/Telegram)

Russian POWs were reportedly transferred to Belarus for initial medical treatment and will later be transported to Russia for further care and rehabilitation.

The UAE has played a mediating role in several previous exchanges between Ukraine and Russia, and both governments have acknowledged its involvement in the April 19 operation.

Two injured Ukrainian soldiers, recently released from Russian captivity, sit inside a medical vehicle. (Source: Zelenskyy/Telegram)
Two injured Ukrainian soldiers, recently released from Russian captivity, sit inside a medical vehicle. (Source: Zelenskyy/Telegram)

Earlier, on April 18, Ukraine repatriated the bodies of 909 fallen soldiers from active combat zones and Russian territory, according to the Coordinating Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War. The operation involved multiple government agencies and was supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

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