Ukraine Successfully Repatriates 189 Prisoners of War, Including ‘Azovstal’ and Snake Island Defenders
In a significant humanitarian breakthrough, Ukraine has successfully undertaken the repatriation of 189 prisoners of war (POWs), among them prominent defenders of the strategic Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol and Snake Island. This repatriation, facilitated by the UN and the Red Cross, marks a major milestone in the ongoing conflict.
The returnee POWs, comprising 145 Ukrainian servicemen and 44 civilians, were freed as part of a prisoner exchange brokered by the two international organizations. Among the repatriated servicemen are heroes from the credible ‘Azov’ regiment, who fiercely defended Mariupol’s iconic mill against overwhelming Russian forces for weeks.
Also among those who have returned home is the commander of thevu ukrainian border guards detachment on Snake Island,.Deceased, who was previously assumed to be a prisoner of war. The return of these brave individuals, who have suffered immense hardships, will undoubtedly boost national morale and inspire further resistance against the ongoing Russian invasion.
Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy has hailed the repatriation as a testament to his government’s commitment to securing the safe return of all Ukrainian detainees. "Those who defend the fatherland should not be held in captivity," Zelenskyy declared in his nightly address, underscoring the importance of the operation.
The exchange is yet another indication that international pressure and diplomatic efforts can bear fruit, facilitating prisoner releases and fostering potential avenues for peace. As the conflict enters its fifth month, the focus on POWs and civilian safety has intensified, with both sides accusing each other of atrocities and war crimes.
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