On April 24, Ukraine successfully executed its 73rd prisoner exchange with Russia, resulting in the return of 193 Ukrainian servicemen. These individuals had been engaged in combat across various fronts, including Luhansk, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Kursk.
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the return, stating that the released personnel included members of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, the State Border Guard Service, the National Police, and the State Special Transport Service.
“They defended Ukraine across multiple fronts. Among them are those against whom Russia has initiated criminal proceedings, as well as individuals who were injured. It is crucial that exchanges continue and that our people return home. I thank everyone involved in facilitating these exchanges, as well as all partners who assist in this effort,” Zelensky remarked.
Zelensky emphasized that the Ukrainian government remains committed to the return of every defender and is actively working to secure the release of citizens held in Russian captivity.
The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported that this exchange follows a series of agreements made during the Easter period. It marks a continuation of efforts to repatriate Ukrainian soldiers since the onset of the full-scale Russian invasion.
“A notable aspect of this exchange is the successful return of individuals born in the 2000s, as well as injured defenders. Most of those released had been unlawfully detained in Chechnya, and some faced fabricated criminal charges, violating the Geneva Conventions,” the headquarters stated.
Among the released were members of the Armed Forces, including a significant number of paratroopers. The group comprised both soldiers and sergeants, as well as several officers.
“The released servicemen defended the country in various regions, with the youngest being 24 years old, captured in the Donetsk area in 2023. The oldest among them is 60 years old. Two of the servicemen will celebrate their birthdays today on home soil,” the Coordination Headquarters noted.
Upon their return, all released individuals will undergo comprehensive medical examinations and receive support for physical and psychological rehabilitation, along with all entitled benefits.
“Ukraine will ensure the reintegration of these heroes into society following their prolonged isolation. We express our gratitude to the United States and the UAE for their assistance in organizing this exchange, as well as to all involved organizations for their coordinated efforts to secure the release of our citizens. The Coordination Headquarters will continue its work to locate and return every individual held in Russian captivity,” the statement concluded.
Prior to this exchange, on April 11, 175 Ukrainian defenders and seven civilians were returned from Russian captivity.
Since the onset of the full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, President Zelensky has reported that Ukraine has successfully repatriated 5,857 individuals, with an additional 550 released outside of formal exchanges.
On August 3, 2025, Zelensky announced an agreement for the exchange of 1,200 individuals, with ongoing efforts to finalize the necessary lists. Subsequent exchanges have included various numbers of military personnel and civilians, underscoring the ongoing efforts to secure the return of those held captive.
Ukraine's latest prisoner exchange with Russia has resulted in the return of 193 servicemen, marking the 73rd such operation since the full-scale invasion began. The government remains committed to securing the release of all individuals held captive.