Ukraine Returns 115 Soldiers From Russian Captivity

On August 24, Ukraine conducted a crucial prisoner exchange with Russia, bringing home 115 Ukrainian defenders. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the development, highlighting the importance of the event.

“Today, 115 of our defenders have returned home. These are soldiers from the National Guard, the Armed Forces, the Navy, and the State Border Guard Service,” Zelenskyy said. He also noted that the exchange was facilitated by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which provided humanitarian assistance in the returns of the soldiers.

Russian news agency confirmed that Russia returned 115 military personnel who had been captured in the Kursk region. In return, Ukraine handed over 115 prisoners of war from the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This exchange is reported to be the first of its kind following the Ukrainian military’s advance into Kursk, which began on August 6.

The exchange took place on Ukraine’s Independence Day, adding significant symbolic value to the occasion. To date, a total of 3,520 Ukrainians have been returned since the start of the full-scale invasion. This exchange marks the 55th prisoner swap.

Representatives from the Ombudsman’s Office were present at the event, speaking with the returned soldiers to inform them of their rights and the next steps, including medical examinations, rehabilitation, and the restoration of documents and bank accounts.

President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the UAE for their critical role in this process, emphasizing that Ukraine will continue working to bring all its citizens home. “This is a double celebration for our defenders and their families,” he noted.

Earlier, Reuters reported that a major prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine was planned for Independence Day. The exchange, confirmed by both sides, involves the return of 115 prisoners from each side, with the UAE acting as the mediator.