On Wednesday, January 3, the largest exchange of prisoners of war since the beginning of the full-scale invasion took place, resulting in the return of 230 Ukrainian soldiers and civilians held captive by Russian hostages.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyi, and the Coordination Staff for the Treatment of Prisoners of War announced the successful exchange and return home of the heroes of Ukraine. Zelensky's message states:
"Ours are at home. More than 200 of our soldiers and civilians were returned from Russian captivity. Soldiers, sergeants, officers. Soldiers of the Armed Forces, National Guard, Navy, border guards. Part of the defenders defended Mariupol and Azovstal. Thank you to everyone who, despite all the difficulties, brings our people home! Thanks to our defenders! We will do everything to return all our people who are currently in Russian captivity."
According to the Coordination Headquarters, among those returned are representatives of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, the State Border Service and the National Police, as well as six civilians who were illegally detained.
The exchange also included those who had official prisoner of war status confirmed by the International Committee of the Red Cross (182 persons), as well as those who were considered missing (48).
Most of those released are men (225), as well as five women. 213 people belong to the ranks and sergeants, eleven are officers.
The headquarters reported that the United Arab Emirates played an important role in its organization.
