On March 6, Ukraine successfully facilitated the return of 300 military personnel and two civilians from Russian captivity, as confirmed by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The president noted that the returning individuals included soldiers from the Armed Forces, National Guard, and border troops. He stated, “Private soldiers, sergeants, and officers defended Ukraine across various fronts: Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and in Mariupol. Most of them had been in captivity for over a year, with some detained since 2022.”
“I thank all Ukrainian soldiers who contribute to this result, enhancing our exchange fund at the front,” Zelensky added.
Zelensky expressed gratitude to the team involved in the negotiations, particularly acknowledging the mediation efforts of the United States. He emphasized the importance of the agreements reached, stating, “We remember each and every one and are committed to bringing all our people home.”
The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported that the returned soldiers represented various branches of the military, including the Ground Forces, Airborne Assault Forces, Navy, Territorial Defense Forces, State Border Guard Service, National Guard, Air Forces, and drone units. The youngest among them was 26 years old, while the oldest was 60.
“The returning Ukrainians fought in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions, as well as in the defense of Mariupol,” the headquarters stated.
Upon their return, the freed soldiers will be transported to medical facilities for necessary examinations, treatment, and rehabilitation. They will receive essential assistance, documentation, and financial support.
“We express our gratitude to the United States and the United Arab Emirates for their crucial mediation and support. We also thank all relevant structures and organizations for their assistance in implementing this exchange. The Coordination Headquarters continues its work and is focused on the return of all individuals,” the headquarters emphasized.
Officials noted that this exchange marked the second and final phase of a prisoner swap agreement reached between Ukraine and Russia during negotiations in Geneva.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that on March 6, the Ukrainian side transferred 300 Russian military personnel to them, who are currently in Belarus before being transported to Russia.
On March 5, Ukraine and Russia conducted a previous prisoner exchange, during which 200 individuals, including soldiers from the Armed Forces, the State Special Transport Service, border guards, and National Guard members, returned home from Russian captivity.
Ukraine has successfully secured the release of 300 soldiers and two civilians from Russian captivity, marking a significant development in ongoing prisoner exchange efforts. This operation follows a previous exchange that saw 200 individuals return home, underscoring the continued focus on repatriating military personnel.