Ukraine returns 189 more Ukrainians from russian captivity - Zelenskyy

Ukraine has returned 189 more Ukrainians from russian captivity, among them defenders of Azovstal and Mariupol, the Chornobyl NPP, Zmiyinyi Island and two civilians.

This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on his Telegram channel, Ukrainian News Agency reports.

"The return of our people from russian captivity is always very good news for each of us. And today is one of those days: our team managed to return 189 Ukrainians home," he said.

Among them are defenders of Azovstal and Mariupol, the Chornobyl NPP, Zmiyinyi Island, from different directions of the front, National Guardsmen, border guards, land defense personnel, soldiers of the Navy and Armed Forces. There are also two civilians who were captured in Mariupol.

Zelenskyy stressed that the Ukrainian authorities are working to release all Ukrainians from russian captivity. He also thanked all partners, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported that the eleventh exchange in 2024 took place, and a total of 3,956 people have already returned from russian captivity within the framework of the headquarters' work, including 1,358 in 2024.

The headquarters also noted that among those returned today are those who were captured in the Kursk Oblast.

As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, in October, Ukraine returned 95 defenders from russian captivity. At the time, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine had returned a total of 3,767 of its citizens from russian captivity, almost all of whom required long-term treatment and rehabilitation.