In a recent exchange, Ukraine successfully brought back military personnel and civilians. On the occasion of Independence Day, as instructed by the President, a new prisoner swap took place. In Istanbul, as per agreements, Ukrainian soldiers were returned home, and during the 68th exchange, eight civilians were freed. Among the released were representatives from all branches of the defense forces, including paratroopers, naval forces, and the National Guard. Most of them had spent over three years in captivity.

The soldiers who returned defended key areas such as Mariupol and the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Notably, journalists Dmytro Khilyuk and Mark Kaliush, detained in 2022 and 2023, were among those freed, along with medic Serhiy Kovalov, who saved lives during the siege of the "Azovstal" plant.

Also returning home is former mayor of Kherson Volodymyr Mykolaienko, who refused to collaborate with the occupiers. We express gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for their assistance in facilitating the return of Ukrainian citizens. All freed individuals will receive medical support and assistance for reintegration into society after prolonged isolation.

We sincerely thank all those involved in this coordinated effort; the coordination headquarters continues its work to locate and return every Ukrainian held in Russian captivity.