SBU presses charges against russian judges for the unlawful sentencing of Azov Brigade POWs

Second Stage of the Easter Prisoner Exchange: 193 Ukrainians Home

On April 24, 2026, the second stage of the Easter prisoner of war exchange between Ukraine and Russia took place, resulting in the return of 193 Ukrainian defenders. These are representatives of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including a significant number of paratroopers. Also returning home are fighters from the Naval Forces, Territorial Defense Forces, National Guard of Ukraine, National Police, State Border Guard Service, and the State Special Transport Service.

Pre-Easter Exchange: 182 Ukrainians Return from Captivity

On April 11, 2026, on the eve of Eastern Christian Easter, Ukraine managed to return 172 servicemen and 7 civilians from Russian captivity. Among those released are privates, sergeants, and officers, the majority of whom were taken prisoner as far back as 2022. The youngest of the freed is 22 years old, while the oldest has turned 63. Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets noted that those returned are in serious condition, suffering from injuries and severe psychological distress.

Rostov Court sentences three more «Azov» prisoners of war

The Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, has handed down verdicts against three prisoners of war from the «Azov» Brigade who defended the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol. This was reported by Mediazona. All three prisoners of war face charges related to their service in «Azov», which Russia has designated a terrorist organization.

UN Commission: Russia’s unlawful trials of Ukrainians constitute war crimes

Fabricated evidence, unfair trials, testimonies extracted under torture, and other serious violations have been documented by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine. The Commission examined trials conducted by the Russian Federation in the context of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and concluded that Russian courts have violated international humanitarian law, which constitutes a war crime.

POW exchange: 500 servicemen and two civilians returned to Ukraine under agreements reached in Geneva

On 5-6 March 2026, a two-day exchange of prisoners of war took place between Ukraine and Russia. On the first day, 200 military personnel returned to Ukraine, and on the second day, another 300. Separately, two civilians were also returned. The exchange was made possible by agreements reached in Geneva with the mediation of the United States.

War Crimes

Illegal sentences for Azov POWs: two Russian judges were notified of suspicion of a war crime

The Office of the Prosecutor General has notified two judges of the Southern District Military Court of the Russian Federation that they are suspected of committing a war crime – violating the right of prisoners of war to a fair and proper trial (Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).