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Ukraine Secures Release of 150 Prisoners of War from Russian Captivity

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Ukraine Secures Release of 150 Prisoners of War from Russian Captivity
Released Ukrainian soldiers after the prisoner exchange. (Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Telegram)

Ukraine secured the return of 150 of its citizens held in Russian captivity on February 5. The group includes soldiers, sergeants, and officers from various branches of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as well as members of the National Guard, border guards, territorial defense units, and one police officer.

Recently released fighters smile while holding the Ukrainian flag. (Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Telegram)
Recently released fighters smile while holding the Ukrainian flag. (Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Telegram)

According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, some of those released had been in captivity for over two years. He emphasized that, despite coming from different fronts, they share a common cause—defending Ukraine.

One of the released Ukrainian servicemen looks through the bus window. (Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Telegram)
One of the released Ukrainian servicemen looks through the bus window. (Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Telegram)

“This is a significant day for them and their families—a day that outweighs years of waiting. Seeing them home, alive and free, is invaluable,” Zelenskyy wrote in a Telegram post, which was later removed without explanation.

A Ukrainian soldier holds a woven bracelet in the colors of the national flag—a symbol of resilience and the struggle of those who endured captivity. (Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Telegram)
A Ukrainian soldier holds a woven bracelet in the colors of the national flag—a symbol of resilience and the struggle of those who endured captivity. (Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Telegram)

The exchange was conducted on a 150-for-150 basis between Ukraine and Russia.

Released Ukrainian soldier in an ambulance. (Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Telegram)
Released Ukrainian soldier in an ambulance. (Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Telegram)

Among those repatriated are service members from the Ukrainian Navy, including those captured in Mariupol and Zaporizhzhia regions, as well as personnel from the Air Force, Air Assault Forces, and Ground Forces. The specific details of the exchange and the reasons behind the removal of official announcements remain undisclosed.

Two freed Ukrainians smile while sitting on the bus. (Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Telegram)
Two freed Ukrainians smile while sitting on the bus. (Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Telegram)

Earlier, on January 15, Ukraine facilitated the return of 25 individuals, including defenders of Mariupol and Azovstal, as part of a prisoner exchange with Russia. Many of those released had sustained severe injuries or required urgent medical care. The operation was supported by the United Arab Emirates, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to securing the return of all captives.

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