Ukrainian POWs with severe injuries or illnesses return in latest exchange with Russia

This was announced by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.

"We continue the return of our people, as agreed in Istanbul. Today marks the first stage of the return of our injured and severely wounded warriors from Russian captivity. All of them require immediate medical attention. This is an important humanitarian act," the Ukrainian leader said.

Today, Ukrainian soldiers returned home. They include members of the Navy, Ground Forces, Territorial Defense, Security Service, Border Guard, National Guard, and Special Transport Service. Among them are defenders of Mariupol who had been held in Russian captivity for over three years.

"All the defenders released today have serious injuries and illnesses," the Coordination Headquarters said. "These include amputated limbs, vision problems, infections, wounds from shrapnel, and chronic diseases. Some also have hepatitis and tuberculosis."

Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s Human Rights Commissioner, said that most of the soldiers captured by Russia in the early months of the full-scale war have now returned home.

For security reasons, the exact number of released Ukrainian defenders will be shared after the exchange is fully completed.

• The exchange of prisoners of war began on June 9, which will continue in several stages in the coming days. Yesterday, the first group of released soldiers under the age of 25 returned home.