Today, June 9, the exchange of prisoners of war began as part of the agreements reached in Istanbul. The first group of released servicemen under the age of 25 is returning home.
This was announced by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“The process is quite complicated, there are many sensitive details, negotiations continue almost every day. We expect that the agreements on humanitarian issues reached during the meeting in Istanbul will be fully implemented,” the President wrote.
According to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, the released prisoners include representatives of the Navy, Army, Land Forces, the TRO Forces, Air Force, Air Assault Forces, Border Guard, National Guard and the State Special Transport Service. All of the liberated soldiers are privates and non-commissioned officers.
Among the liberated 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. The exchange concerns certain categories of prisoners of war, including those under the age of 25, seriously wounded and seriously ill defenders.
Work is also underway to repatriate the bodies of Ukrainian soldiers killed while defending their homeland.
The number of Ukrainians released from captivity today is not specified.
“The 66th exchange of prisoners continues. For security reasons, the final numbers of those released will be made public after the exchange process is completed,” the statement said.
