A key phase in the prisoner exchange - Ukraine is reuniting with its severely wounded defenders.

Today marked the first phase of a major prisoner exchange for the category of 'severely wounded'.

As part of the agreements reached in Istanbul, the Coordinating Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, under the direction of the President of Ukraine, returned a group of defenders from Russian captivity who sustained serious injuries and suffer from severe health issues.

Returning home are military personnel from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including representatives from various branches such as the Navy, Ground Forces, Territorial Defense, Airborne Troops, Special Operations Forces, Border Guard Service, National Guard, and the State Special Transport Service.

Among those freed today are defenders of Mariupol, who spent more than three years in captivity. In addition to soldiers and sergeants, several officers were also liberated.

All those released today have severe injuries and serious illnesses: amputated limbs, vision problems, abscesses, infections, trauma, shrapnel wounds, and chronic illnesses. Some of the freed individuals have been diagnosed with hepatitis and tuberculosis.

The repatriated defenders will be transported to medical centers for necessary examinations and further treatment and rehabilitation. All released individuals will receive necessary support, their documents will be restored, and they will be compensated for their time in captivity.

The large-scale prisoner exchange continues. For security reasons, the exact number of released individuals will be announced after the exchange process is completed.

The Coordinating Headquarters continues its work, and the next phase of releasing Ukrainian detainees will be conducted soon.

We are working to bring everyone back!

Glory to Ukraine!