Another group of seriously ill Ukrainian defenders has been released from Russian captivity.

On June 19, 2025, a prisoner exchange took place between Ukraine and Russia. A group of Ukrainian defenders was released from Russian captivity, including servicemen of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, and border guards. Most of them had been in captivity for several years.

President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on social media: 'Our people are returning home from Russian captivity. These are soldiers of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, and the State Border Service. Most of them had been in captivity since 2022.'

The Coordinating Headquarters for the POWs clarified that the released were a group of seriously ill defenders, and another stage of the exchange took place in accordance with the Istanbul agreements.

Medical Condition and Rehabilitation

The released Ukrainian defenders have serious health problems due to injuries and the negative impact of conditions in captivity. Providing full medical support and rehabilitation for them is extremely important. Payments for the period when they were in captivity are also planned.

As a result of the prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia, a group of Ukrainian defenders was released from Russian captivity. Their medical condition requires immediate attention, and all the released will be provided with the necessary medical care and rehabilitation to improve their condition.