Almost 6,000 prisoners returned alive to Ukraine since full-scale war started — Zelenskyy

He stated this following a meeting with the team working to release prisoners and assist them.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the headquarters, services involved in the exchanges, the team of the President's Office, as well as Ukrainians released from Russian captivity, in particular, defenders from various frontline directions, and in particular from Mariupol, Azov fighters, paramedic "Tyra", a civilian captured by the occupiers in Crimea, Leniie Umerova.

"We honored the memory of the warriors who lost their lives in the dreadful Olenivka terrorist act. We discussed the most critical matters – bringing all our people home and the current stage of the exchange process. We don't stop for a single day," Zelenskyyy emphasized.

He said that since the beginning of the full-scale war, 5,857 people have already been returned alive from captivity, and 555 more people outside the exchanges.

Also, as a result of the exchanges within Istanbul, more than 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers were returned.

"We also hope to free the civilians who are still being held in Russia," the president added.

He emphasized the importance of continuing the exchanges.

"Each person matters. I am grateful to everyone doing their utmost to make exchanges possible, and to everyone who helps. I also thank our warriors who replenish the 'exchange fund' for Ukraine," the leader of the state concluded.

• Ukraine has established July 28 as the Day of Remembrance of defenders, members of volunteer formations, and civilians who were executed, tortured, or died in captivity.