Headline:
189 Ukrainian Defenders Freed: Large Prisoner Exchange Ahead of New Year
Article:
In a heartwarming turn of events, Ukraine welcomed back 189 of its defenders on Monday, December 30, following the latest prisoner exchange. The news was confirmed by President Volodymyr Zelensky through his official Telegram channel, as well as the Coordination Headquarters for Soldier Issues and Ombudsperson for Human Rights, Dmitry Lubinets.
President Zelensky expressed his joy, "The return of our people from Russian captivity is always great news for all of us. Today is one of those days. Our team has returned 189 Ukrainians home."
The freed individuals include soldiers, sergeants, officers from various units – National Guard, including Azov regiment, border guards, territorial defense forces, and both military and naval forces. Notably, two civilians who were held captive in Mariupol also returned home to their families.
The eleventh exchange of the year allowed for the release of:
- 87 servicemen from the Armed Forces of Ukraine (17 of whom were from territorial defense)
- 43 from the National Guard
- 33 from the State Border Service
- 24 from the Naval Forces
- 2 civilians
This time, freed defenders included 173 junior officers and sergeants, along with 14 officers. Many had been held captive for over two and a half years, enduring harsh prison conditions, acute chronic illnesses, and injuries from mines and explosives.
The Coordination Headquarters described this as one of the largest exchanges since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. To date, 3,956 people have been freed through their efforts, with 1,358 in 2024 alone. They continue to work tirelessly to secure the release of the remaining Ukrainian citizens held captive in Russia.
Image: Ukrainian soldiers returning home (Source: Twitter/@ukrpravda_news)
