Ukraine has secured return of 4,306 citizens from Russian captivity — Zelenskyy

He said this during his evening video address.

“For more than three years now, nearly the entire duration of this war, our Coordination Headquarters – all the services working to bring our prisoners home – has been operating. Over four thousand people have already been returned – 4,306. And we will bring everyone back,” the President emphasized.

According to Zelenskyy, negotiations with the U.S. and other partners on ending the war include the release of prisoners as one of the first steps.

“I thank all our partners who support us in this effort – and everyone in Ukraine and around the world who keeps the issue of prisoners on the public agenda. Today, I want to thank everyone involved in this team effort – the Office of the President, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ombudsman, and all others whose efforts bring Ukrainians home. We always bring our people back – and that is one of the most important principles of our state. That’s how it is, and that’s how it will be,” Zelenskyy summarized.

• On Wednesday, March 19, a prisoner exchange with Russia took place, resulting in the return of 175 Ukrainian servicemen. Additionally, another 22 defenders were freed through measures outside the exchange process.