Ukraine conducted a large-scale prisoner exchange, resulting in the return of 200 citizens, including military personnel and civilians. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the successful repatriation of Ukrainians.
This is reported by Finway
Who Returned from Captivity
Among those released are defenders from Mariupol, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia. Soldiers from the Armed Forces, representatives of the State Special Transport Service, border guards, and national guardsmen returned to Ukraine. A significant portion of the released individuals participated in intense battles on the eastern and southern fronts.
“Today, 200 Ukrainian families received the most anticipated news: their loved ones are coming home. And this is always good news for all of us, for the entire country – the return of our people to their native land. Among those returning are defenders from Mariupol, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia. Soldiers of the Armed Forces, the State Special Transport Service, border guards, and national guardsmen,” he wrote in a telegram.
Prisoner Exchange: Details and Preliminary Agreements
Earlier, the head of the Russian delegation in negotiations with Ukraine, Vladimir Medinsky, stated that agreements on a prisoner exchange in the format of 500 for 500 people were reached in Geneva, which could take place on March 5–6. The Ukrainian side confirmed its desire to conduct a large-scale exchange soon, but exact dates were not announced.
The previous exchange between the parties took place on February 5, 2026. At that time, Ukraine managed to repatriate 150 military personnel and seven civilians. This was the first prisoner exchange in 2026.
According to Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, as of March 2, 6,422 citizens of Ukraine have been repatriated from Russian captivity, of which 409 are civilians.
At the same time, according to President Zelensky, about 7,000 Ukrainian citizens remain in captivity in Russia.