Ukrainian Soldiers Released from Russian Captivity
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a group of Ukrainian servicemen returned from Russian captivity on Thursday, June 26, as part of agreements made in Istanbul. This marks the seventh prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia this month, with most of the soldiers having been held for over three years in Russia, reports 24brussels.
The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported that the returned soldiers included young military personnel, as well as sick and wounded defenders. The youngest among them is 24 years old, while the oldest is 62.
The released troops comprised members of the Navy, State Border Service, Territorial Defense Forces, and Airborne Assault Forces, who defended various regions including Sumy, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Kherson. A significant number were captured during the defense of Mariupol in May 2022. Additionally, members of the National Guard who were guarding the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant were also released.
Ukrainian defenders will receive necessary psychological and medical support upon their return.
Between June 9 and 20, six exchanges took place between Russia and Ukraine, which included the return of defenders under 25 years old, as well as seriously injured and gravely ill military personnel. Some of these individuals have amputations, chronic illnesses, or serious health conditions.
Psychologist Olena Sek from the Armed Forces of Ukraine discussed what is necessary for the return to signify a new beginning rather than a recurring trauma in an interview with “Socium” editor Alla Kotlyar.
