On Monday, June 9, a new exchange with Russia began, which will take place in several stages. Final figures regarding the released Ukrainians will be announced later for security reasons.
Source: President Volodymyr Zelensky on Telegram, Coordination Headquarters for Prisoner of War Affairs
Direct quote from Zelensky:
“Ukrainians are returning home from Russian captivity. Today, the exchange began, which will continue in several stages over the coming days…
The process is quite complex, with many sensitive details; negotiations are ongoing almost daily.
We expect the agreements on humanitarian issues reached during the Istanbul meeting to be fully implemented. We are doing everything possible to bring everyone back. We are working on this at all levels.”
Details: The Coordination Headquarters notes that for security reasons, the final number of released prisoners will be announced only after the exchange process is complete.
Currently, the first group of released servicemen under the age of 25 is returning home.
Among those released are representatives of the Navy, Ground Forces, Territorial Defense Forces, Air Force, Air Assault Forces, Border Guard Service, National Guard, and the State Special Transport Service. All those freed are enlisted personnel and non-commissioned officers.
Among the released defenders are the defenders of Mariupol, who spent more than three years in captivity.
This is only the first part of a large-scale exchange that will continue within the framework of the agreements reached.
This exchange concerns specific categories of prisoners of war, including those under 25 years old, severely wounded, and seriously ill captives.
Work is also ongoing to repatriate the bodies of Ukrainian soldiers who died defending their homeland.
The Coordination Headquarters assures that the returned defenders will be provided with everything necessary. Their documents will be restored, they will receive due monetary compensation for the entire time in captivity, as well as a one-time assistance payment. They will also undergo a course of medical rehabilitation.
Background:
At the negotiations in Istanbul on June 2, Ukraine and Russia agreed on the return of “6,000 for 6,000” bodies of fallen soldiers. The Ukrainian and Russian delegations also agreed on the exchange of “all for all” severely wounded and young servicemen aged 18 to 25.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky reported that out of the 6,000 bodies Russia intends to hand over, only 15% have been identified.
On June 6, Russia spread a fake claim about the alleged start of repatriation efforts, then later stated that “Ukraine refused to collect the bodies of its citizens.” The Coordination Headquarters for Prisoner of War Affairs emphasized that the aggressor state is exploiting this sensitive issue and assured that preparations for the exchange are ongoing.
