About 40% of Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia are civilians, including children - Budanov

Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov reported the information in an interview with the Voice of America.

"About 40% of those held hostage are civilians. Just civilians. There are a lot of women, unfortunately, and children, all kinds of starostas (starosta - head of the community - ed.) postmen, railroad workers, mayors, janitors. Literally everyone," Budanov said.

Answering the question whether there are prisoners that Ukraine simply does not know about, the chief emphasized that "most likely, there is someone", but, in his opinion, "99% are clear".

• On February 16, as a result of another exchange, 101 Ukrainian prisoners of war returned to Ukraine from Russian captivity: 100 military and 1 civilian.