Ukrainian defenders who survived battle of Kyiv and over 1,000 days in Russian captivity return home in largest prisoner swap of war

This marks the first step in a deal to trade 1000 lives for 1000 between Ukraine and Russia, achieved in Turkiye.
Ukrainian POWs during the 23 May exchange with Russia. Source: The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine
Ukrainian defenders who survived battle of Kyiv and over 1,000 days in Russian captivity return home in largest prisoner swap of war

A total of 270 Ukrainian soldiers and 120 civilians have returned home — the first stage of the largest prisoner exchange since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, brokered in Istanbul.

Among the freed are defenders of Kyiv captured in the first days of the 2022 invasion. Now, after over two years in captivity, they are back on Ukrainian soil.

On Tuesday, 23 May, Ukraine and Russia began the first phase of a major “1000 for 1000” prisoner exchange.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that 390 Ukrainians have returned, with Ukraine transferring an equal number of individuals to Russia.

Ukrainian POWs during the 23 May exchange with Russia. Source: The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine

The released Ukrainian defenders had fought from Kyiv to Kherson, including in the battles for Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Donbas, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, the Defense Intelligence reports

All returnees are now undergoing medical evaluations, receiving physical and psychological rehabilitation, financial compensation, and support for reintegration into civilian life or military service.

Ukrainian POWs during the 23 May exchange with Russia. Source: The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine

This is just the beginning: Ukraine is preparing to welcome the next wave of liberated captives in the coming days. The Ukrainian Coordination Headquarters is continuing its work around the clock.

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