On 11 April, Ukraine carried out another prisoner exchange with Russia, under which 182 Ukrainians returned home, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Those who returned home are in serious health condition, with injuries and a depressed psychological state.
Ukraine returned soldiers from various units, as well as civilians who were held in Russian prisons without any legal grounds. Most of them had been in captivity since 2022, and some since the very first day of the full-scale war.
Those who endured years of captivity: stories lasting up to four years and more
Among the released are 27 Ukrainians who spent exactly four years in captivity. The oldest of those returned is 63, and the youngest is just 21.
These people defended Ukraine in the hottest areas — from Mariupol to the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, as well as in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, and Kherson Oblasts, and other frontline areas.
Civilian hostages of war: abduction and systemic violations of international law
Particular attention is drawn to the release of seven Ukrainian civilians who were effectively abducted from their homes or detained at checkpoints.
“All of them were abducted from their homes without any grounds or detained at checkpoints. One Ukrainian was abducted while on his way to his father,” said Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets.
They were held without trial or investigation, which is a direct violation of the Geneva Conventions.
As noted by Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, all of them were deprived of liberty without any legal grounds.
Physical injuries and psychological consequences
Most of those returned are in serious physical and psychological condition. Many have documented injuries, chronic illnesses, and consequences of ill-treatment.
One of the released is in critical condition, including a traumatic brain injury, damage to internal organs, and severe skin injuries resulting from torture.
Ukraine continues to bring its citizens home
The President emphasized that returning all Ukrainians from captivity remains a principled task of the state. The previous exchange took place on 5 March, when 200 defenders were released.
Ukraine continues to work with international partners and uses all available mechanisms to bring every citizen home.
