Ukraine has conducted a new phase of prisoner exchange, bringing back severely injured defenders. According to agreements reached in Istanbul, the Coordination Headquarters on POWs, under the directive of the President, organized the return of another group of soldiers with serious injuries and health issues.

The released individuals include servicemen from various branches of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including representatives from the Navy, Ground Forces, Territorial Defense, Airborne Assault Forces, as well as the Border Guard and National Guard.

All those released today belong to the ranks of soldiers and sergeants.

Among them are defenders of Mariupol, who have been held captive since 2022.

All released individuals today suffer from injuries or severe medical conditions, such as epilepsy, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, vision problems, musculoskeletal disorders, hernias, and chronic digestive system diseases. Many of the released have been diagnosed with significant weight loss.

The returned defenders will be taken to medical centers for necessary examinations and further treatment and rehabilitation. All released individuals will receive the required assistance, their documents will be restored, and they will be compensated for their time in captivity.

The exchange process, according to the Istanbul agreements, continues. The exact number of released persons will be announced after all phases of the exchange are completed.

The Coordination Headquarters continues its work. We are working on bringing everyone back!