The President of Ukraine announced a prisoner of war exchange, writing about it on social media on December 30.
"Bringing our people back from russian captivity is always very good news for each of us. And today is one of those days: our team managed to bring 189 Ukrainians home", - Zelensky wrote.
According to him, these are military personnel—defenders of "Azovstal" and Mariupol, Chornobyl NPP, Zmiinyi Island, and from various frontlines.
"Among them are soldiers, sergeants, officers. They include National Guardsmen, including 'Azov' fighters, border guards, territorial defense members, Navy servicemen, and Armed Forces warriors. Additionally, two civilians captured in Mariupol are among them. Each one is awaited at home by family and loved ones. It is a joy that we managed to bring them back. Today, 189 families are happy", - the president said.
"We are working to free every single person from russian captivity. This is our goal. We forget no one. Thank you to the team doing everything possible to ensure our people return. Thanks to all partners, particularly the UAE, who are helping us in this effort", - the head of state added.
As reported, the russian Ministry of Defense stated that russia returned 150 military personnel in exchange for 150 Ukrainian Armed Forces prisoners of war.
