President Volodymyr Zelensky announced during a televised address that Ukraine has exchanged over 5,850 captives held by Russia since the start of the war in 2022. The release of these individuals marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to secure the freedom of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians detained by Russian forces. Another 555 people were freed separately through prisoner exchanges with Russia, indicating a continued commitment to diplomatic engagement in the conflict.
Zelensky emphasized that the prisoner exchange process has been instrumental in reducing the number of Ukrainians held in captivity and in maintaining morale among the Ukrainian military and civilian population. The President also noted that these exchanges have been conducted in accordance with international humanitarian law, underscoring Ukraine’s determination to uphold the rights of detainees. However, the process has faced challenges, including the need to verify the identities of released individuals and ensure that no individuals who were not captured have been freed.
Despite the complexities of the prisoner exchange process, Zelensky expressed confidence in the success of these efforts and their importance in the broader conflict. He highlighted that the release of captives is not only a humanitarian issue but also a strategic move that helps to weaken Russia’s military capabilities by reducing the number of prisoners of war. The President urged continued international support for Ukraine’s efforts to secure the release of detainees and to bring the conflict to a swift resolution.