In particular, according to the president, 33 officers were returned from captivity this time, 17 are privates and sergeants.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi commented on the first exchange of prisoners this year, as a result of which 50 servicemen were returned to their homeland. The head of state announced this in an evening video message.
“Today was the first release of our soldiers from Russian captivity this year. 50 Ukrainians returned home. 33 officers, 17 are privates and sergeants. Among them are the defenders of Kyiv, Donetsk regions, Mariupol, the south of the country. Soldiers of the army, National Guard, Military Forces, border guards . Our team is working without a single break to free Ukrainian men and women. I want to thank them once again today: Budanov, Yermak, Malyuk, Usov, Lubynets and others,” Zelenskyi said.
He also thanked those units that replenish the exchange fund.
“Everyone who captures an enemy on our land gives an opportunity to restore freedom to one of the Ukrainians,” the president emphasized.
First prisoner exchange in 2023: details
On January 8, 50 servicemen were returned to Ukraine as a result of another exchange of prisoners.
According to the Ministry of Reintegration, almost 1,600 people were returned to Ukraine from Russian captivity in 2022.
In particular, on the last day of 2022, December 31, as a result of another exchange, 140 people were returned.
