President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the first stage of returning severely wounded and injured soldiers from Russian captivity.
He made this announcement on Telegram:
“We continue bringing our people back, as agreed in Istanbul. Today is the first stage of returning our severely wounded and injured warriors from Russian captivity. All of them require urgent medical care. This is an important humanitarian act,” Zelensky noted.
According to him, the returned soldiers come from various branches of Ukraine’s Defense and Security Forces: the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, the State Border Guard Service, and the State Special Transport Service.
“Exchanges must continue. We are doing everything possible to find and bring back every person in captivity. I’m grateful to everyone who is helping,” Zelensky emphasized.
The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War clarified that those released on June 10 from Russian captivity include severely wounded and gravely ill defenders representing, among others, the Navy, Ground Forces, Territorial Defense, Air Assault Forces, Drone Forces, Border Guard Service, National Guard, and the State Special Transport Service.
“Today, the first stage of a prisoner exchange in the category of ‘severely wounded and gravely ill’ took place. Under the Istanbul agreements, and on the instruction of the President of Ukraine, the Coordination Headquarters has returned from Russian captivity a group of defenders who suffered serious injuries and have severe health problems,” the Headquarters stressed.
As noted by the Coordination Headquarters, the soldiers returning to Ukrainian soil include representatives of the Navy, Ground Forces, Territorial Defense, Air Assault Forces, Drone Forces, Border Guard Service, National Guard, and the State Special Transport Service.
Among today’s freed defenders are those who defended Mariupol and had spent over three years in captivity. Along with enlisted soldiers and sergeants, some officers were also released.
All the freed defenders are suffering from serious wounds and illnesses: amputated limbs, vision problems, abscesses, infections, trauma, shrapnel injuries, and chronic conditions. Some were diagnosed with hepatitis and tuberculosis.
The returned defenders will be taken to medical centers for full examinations, followed by treatment and medical rehabilitation. All released individuals will receive necessary support, have their documents restored, and be paid the financial compensation due for their time in captivity.
“The large-scale prisoner exchange continues. For security reasons, the exact number of people released will be announced after the exchange process is completed,” the Coordination Headquarters emphasized.
The Coordination Headquarters continues its work, and the next stage of freeing Ukrainian captives will take place soon.
