Today, as part of the exchange of soldiers captured since February 24, 2022, 22 defenders returned to Ukraine. The Russian soldiers have surrendered the Ukrainian soldiers captured from various battlefields in Ukraine. Among them are service members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: 2 officers and 20 soldiers of ordinary and non-commissioned officers. The oldest defender of Ukraine is 54 years old, and the youngest – 23 years old.
The head of the Ukraine president's office, Andrii Yermak, said that the released heroes have injuries of various complexity. Ukrainian doctors will treat the released prisoners of war.
During the 530 days of the war, the state directed all forces to save the lives of the Ukrainian defenders and their return from the occupation authorities. Kyiv also holds Russian soldiers captive, following the international rules of keeping and exchange. To date, 48 exchanges have been held, and 2.598 Ukrainian soldiers have been returned. At the moment, Russian occupiers hold at least 3.000 Ukrainian soldiers.
