In a statement published on X, Zelensky said Ukraine was “bringing our people home”, confirming details earlier announced by US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff. According to the president, those released include members of the Armed Forces, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service, spanning ranks from soldiers and sergeants to officers.
Alongside military personnel, civilians are also among those freed. Zelensky said most of those returning had been held in captivity since 2022, the year Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian leader stressed the significance of the exchange, noting that it took place after a lengthy pause in such operations. “Today’s exchange came after a long pause, and it is critical that we were able to make it happen,” he said.
Zelensky reaffirmed Kyiv’s commitment to securing the release of all remaining captives. “We will continue to work to release our people from captivity. We must bring everyone back – and we certainly will,” he wrote, adding that efforts are ongoing to account for every detainee so families can be reunited with their loved ones.
