20 March 2025
(PHOTO: 36th Separate Marine Brigade named after Bilynskyi)
As part of one of the largest exchanges, 175 Ukrainian servicemen returned from Russian captivity. Another 22 defenders are returning home outside of the exchange procedures. Among those released are marines from Mykolaiv region.
This was announced by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Among those released are soldiers, sergeants and officers who fought in the Armed Forces, Navy, National Guard, Territorial Defense Forces and Border Guard. They defended Ukraine in various areas, including Mariupol, Azovstal, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, and Kursk regions.
The President thanked the team involved in the search and exchange of prisoners, as well as international partners, in particular the United Arab Emirates, for their assistance in the liberation of Ukrainian soldiers. All returned soldiers will be provided with the necessary medical and psychological assistance.
Ukraine remembers each and every one of our heroes, and we will definitely return all our people home," the Head of State emphasized.
Also, according to the press service of the 36th Separate Marine Brigade named after Rear Admiral Mykhailo Bilynskyi, 12 marines who were captured while defending Mariupol returned from enemy captivity. Their comrades welcomed the prisoners of war to their native land. Next, the guys will undergo treatment and rehabilitation.
Recently, a reminder of captured and missing soldiers was held in the center of Mykolaiv. Relatives held posters and flags with photos of the defenders. The event gathered about 300 people and ended with the performance of the Ukrainian anthem.
In early March, marine Denis, who returned from Russian captivity after 993 days, joined the rally. People greeted him warmly, and the soldier came with his daughter.
In January, 25 Ukrainians, both military and civilians, returned home during a prisoner exchange with Russia. Among them were defenders of Mariupol and Azovstal. The day before, another 189 people were released from captivity. In total, 3,956 Ukrainians have already been returned within the framework of the Coordination Center, including 1,358 in 2024.
Анна Бальчінос