A new stage of prisoner exchanges has concluded in Ukraine, held in accordance with the agreements reached in Istanbul. The Coordination Headquarters for the treatment of prisoners of war, under the instruction of the President of Ukraine, has returned a group of defenders from Russian captivity, classified as "injured and seriously ill" as well as "under 25 years old".

The released individuals include servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, notably from the Navy, Ground Forces, Territorial Defense, Airborne Assault Forces, Special Operations Forces, as well as the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service.

The youngest of the released is only 20 years old, while the oldest is 59. The release included not only soldiers and sergeants but also officers.

Among those freed today are defenders of Mariupol, who have been in captivity since 2022.

The vast majority of those liberated have spent over three years in captivity.

The released individuals defended the country in the Donetsk, Kharkiv, Luhansk, and Kherson regions.

Today, it was also possible to free unlawfully sentenced defenders and civilians deprived of personal freedom.

The freed prisoners will undergo necessary medical examinations, receive physical and psychological rehabilitation assistance, and all due payments for the time spent in captivity.

The exchange process continues according to the "Istanbul agreements". The exact number of released individuals will be announced after all exchange stages are completed.

Today's exchange stage involved the head of the Coordination Headquarters, Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov.

The Coordination Headquarters continues its work. We are working to bring everyone home!

Glory to Ukraine!