Ukraine has successfully facilitated the return of 200 military personnel from Russian captivity, as confirmed by President Volodymyr Zelensky. In a statement on Telegram, Zelensky expressed that this news brings hope to 200 Ukrainian families, who will be reunited with their loved ones.
The released individuals include defenders from Mariupol, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia, comprising members of the Armed Forces, the State Special Transport Service, border guards, and National Guard troops. The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported that among those freed are Mariupol defenders who had been held for nearly four years.
This release marks the initial phase of a prisoner exchange agreement established during negotiations in Geneva. Russian delegation leader Vladimir Medinsky announced plans for a larger exchange of 500 personnel on March 5-6, although specific dates for the Ukrainian side’s expectations have not been disclosed.
The last exchange occurred on February 5, when Ukraine regained 150 military personnel and seven civilians, marking the first such event of 2026. According to Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, as of March 2, a total of 6,422 Ukrainians have been returned from Russian captivity, including 409 civilians.
In February, Zelensky indicated that approximately 7,000 Ukrainian prisoners remain in Russian detention.
Ukraine has successfully negotiated the return of 200 military personnel from Russian captivity, marking a significant step in ongoing prisoner exchange efforts. The release includes long-held defenders from various regions, with further exchanges anticipated in the near future.