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, National Guard of Ukraine, National Police, State Border Guard Service, and the State Special Transport Service. The released Ukrainian prisoners are soldiers, sergeants, and several officers. This was reported by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, which expressed gratitude to the United States of America and the United Arab Emirates for their assistance in organizing the exchange.
“The distinctive feature of the current exchange is that we managed to bring back from captivity soldiers born in the 2000s, as well as defenders with injuries. The majority of those released were illegally held on the territory of Chechnya. Criminal cases were fabricated against some of them, which constitutes a violation of the Geneva Conventions,” the Coordination Headquarters stated.
Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets emphasized that all but one of the defenders had not been registered with the International Committee of the Red Cross, and one released prisoner of war had been considered missing. Going forward, the defenders who endured captivity will receive medical care as well as physical and psychological rehabilitation.
The first stage of the Easter exchange took place on April 11, when 172 prisoners of war and 7 civilians returned to Ukraine.
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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, 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.
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