Ukraine and Russia have not exchanged that many prisoners since the beginning of the war: 108 Ukrainian women were allowed to return to their homeland. For this, Russia got back 110 sailors and military officers.
Among the exchanged Ukrainians were 96 soldiers and 12 civilians. 37 of them were captured when the Azovstal steel mill fell into Russian hands after months of fighting. Others were captured by pro-Kremlin forces as early as 2019 for their pro-Ukrainian stance. The women had almost given up hope of going home. Now they are reunited with their families.
According to Denis Puschlin (41), who is close to the Kremlin and mayor of the annexed Republic of Donetsk, Russia should also let 110 detainees back into Ukraine, but two women would voluntarily stay.
All «heroes» must return
“We don’t forget anyone,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy (44). “We need to bring everyone back — and we will.” He called on Ukrainian soldiers to capture more Russians. Because: “The more Russian prisoners we have, the sooner we can release our heroes.”
Andriy Yermak, 50, head of Ukraine’s presidential office, had previously negotiated the terms of a prisoner exchange with Russia. There have been several successful prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine in recent months. (jwg)