189 Ukrainians returned from captivity on the eve of New Year

One of the largest exchanges organised by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War took place on the eve of New Year. Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, 3,956 people have been returned from Russian captivity thanks to the efforts of the headquarters under a presidential mandate, of whom 1,358 were returned in 2024.

Details of the 11th exchange in 2024

The exchange, which took place on the last day of the year, allowed the following to be returned home:

• 87 members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (of whom 17 were from the Territorial Defence),
• 43 members of the National Guard of Ukraine,
• 33 representatives of the State Border Guard Service,
• 24 members of the Ukrainian Navy.

In addition, two civilians were returned as part of the exchange.

Geography and conditions of captivity

The captured servicemen had been defending Ukraine on various fronts, including Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and the vicinity of Mariupol and Snake Island. Some of them also served in the security of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, while others were captured in the Kursk region.

Some Ukrainians spent more than two and a half years in Russian captivity. Among those returned were fighters suffering from chronic illnesses, injuries from mines and explosive devices, and severe wounds.

This time, 173 enlisted personnel and sergeants, as well as 14 officers, were returned.

Words of gratitude and continued efforts

The Coordination Headquarters expresses its gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for their assistance in organising the exchange.

We remind you that the largest exchange of this year was the return of 230 people on 3 January.

Unfortunately, many citizens of Ukraine, both military and civilians, remain in Russian captivity. The Coordination Headquarters continues active negotiations aimed at the release of all our people. We remember each of them and are doing everything possible to bring them home.