On April 11, just before Easter, Ukraine successfully brought home 175 military personnel and seven civilians who had been held captive by Russia. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the development via Telegram.
The repatriated individuals included soldiers from the Armed Forces, National Guard, and border service, comprising ranks from privates to officers. They had defended Ukraine in various regions, including Mariupol, Chernobyl, and the frontline areas of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Kyiv, and Kursk.
Among those released were wounded individuals, with many having been in captivity since 2022. Zelensky expressed gratitude to all units involved in the exchange process, stating, “Returning everyone from Russian captivity is crucial for us. Thank you to everyone worldwide who assists us in this effort.”
“Thank you to every unit that contributes to our exchange fund, bringing us closer to the return of our people. It is fundamentally important for us to bring everyone back from Russian captivity. I appreciate everyone in the world who helps us in this endeavor,” Zelensky wrote.
Kyrylo Budanov, head of the President’s Office, noted that most of the released individuals had been held since 2022, including 25 officers whose release posed significant challenges. He acknowledged the support from partners in the United States and the United Arab Emirates in facilitating this “Easter exchange.”
“Congratulations to everyone! And to all the families who awaited this cherished news before the holiday: to embrace their loved ones after such a long separation. We continue to work to bring everyone home! More good news will come soon,” Budanov stated.
The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported that this marked the 72nd exchange of prisoners. The freed defenders included representatives from the Navy, Ground Forces, Air Forces, Territorial Defense, Airborne Assault Forces, and the National Guard.
The youngest among those released was just 22 years old, while the oldest was 63. They will undergo medical examinations, receive necessary treatments, and be provided with essential supplies for their initial reintegration. Each individual will also receive appropriate compensation and participate in rehabilitation programs following their long-term captivity.
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine has repatriated a total of 5,857 individuals, with an additional 550 returned outside of formal exchanges, according to Zelensky’s updates. Negotiations for the exchange of 1,200 individuals are ongoing, with lists currently being compiled.
Previous exchanges have seen varying numbers of individuals returned, including 84 on August 14, 2025, and 185 military personnel and 20 civilians on October 2, 2025. On February 5, 2026, another 157 individuals were repatriated, and on March 6, 2026, 300 military personnel and two civilians returned home.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that on March 6, Ukraine transferred 300 Russian servicemen to them, who are currently in Belarus before being sent to Russia.
Ukraine has successfully repatriated 175 military personnel and seven civilians from Russian captivity, marking a significant moment ahead of Easter. This exchange, facilitated with international support, underscores ongoing efforts to bring home those held since the onset of the conflict.