Ukraine Returns 100 People From Captivity

• 16.02.2023, 19:48

The defenders of Bucha, Kherson, and Mariupol returned home.

Today, on February 16, another exchange of prisoners took place between Ukraine and Russia. 100 Ukrainian military men and one civilian came back home.

This was announced by the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak.

Among the released soldiers are the National Guardsmen, border guards and the military of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 94 of them are the defenders of Mariupol, including 63 soldiers from Azovstal. This time, all the soldiers released as a result of the exchange are privates and sergeants.

Yermak noted that many of the heroes received injuries of varying severity.

The Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets added that each of the returnees will receive the necessary medical care, undergo rehabilitation, and be able to restore documents and bank cards.

The coordinating headquarters for the treatment of prisoners of war reports that one civilian is the first deputy mayor of Enerhodar, Ivan Samoydyuk.

“He did not break down, he refused to cooperate with the enemy and was kidnapped by the invaders on March 19 last year at a checkpoint near Blahoveshchenka. After 333 days of captivity, he returns to his relatives and friends,” the headquarters noted.

The Ombudsman also recalled that since the beginning of a full-scale war, Ukraine has been able to return home 1,863 citizens.