Ukraine brings back first group of POWs aged under 25 – video
The first group of released servicemen under the age of 25 have returned to Ukraine from Russia as part of the first stage of the 66th prisoner exchange.
Source: video from the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War; video from the Security Service of Ukraine; Andrii Yusov, Deputy Head of the Coordination Headquarters, on the national joint 24/7 newscast
Quote from Yusov: "Most of the service members released today have been in captivity for three years. Some of them had been fighting on the most difficult fronts, including Mariupol. They are members of various units. Since they were in captivity for a long time, their state of health varies, of course, and everyone is receiving the help they need.
Work is already underway to continue the other stages of this major exchange. The coming days will be extremely tense, but productive."
Details: It was reported that among those released on 7 June were representatives of the Navy, Ground Forces, Territorial Defence Forces, Air Force, Airborne Assault Forces, Border Guard Service, National Guard and State Special Transport Service. All those released are privates and sergeants.
This is only the first part of a large-scale prisoner swap that will continue within the framework of the agreements reached in Istanbul. It is an all-for-all exchange of prisoners of war under the age of 25 and seriously wounded and seriously ill captives.
Work is also ongoing on the repatriation of the bodies of Ukrainian soldiers who were killed defending their homeland.
The Coordination Headquarters noted that for security reasons, the final figures on those released will be made public after the exchange process is completed.
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