Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on the progress of prisoner exchanges during a meeting with officials tasked with negotiating the release of captives. He announced that 5,857 people have been returned from captivity since the start of the full-scale war, with an additional 555 released more recently. This figure includes both civilian and military personnel who were taken hostage during the conflict.
The president emphasized that these releases are part of broader diplomatic efforts to secure the return of all Ukrainian citizens held in captivity. He also highlighted the role of international partners in facilitating these exchanges, which have become a key aspect of ongoing peace talks. With the war entering its third year, the government continues to prioritize the safe return of those detained by Russian forces, underscoring the humanitarian and political significance of these efforts.