Prisoner exchange: 40 soldiers from Mykolaiv region are among those released

More than 180 citizens returned to Ukraine from Russian captivity during the exchange on April 11. Among them are 40 war prisoners from Mykolaiv region.

This was announced by the head of the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration Vitaliy Kim.

"This is one of the largest exchanges with our countrymen! I am grateful to everyone who works and helps to bring our people back home. This is one of my priorities. And we will continue to work," he said.

The 36th Separate Marine Brigade also confirmed that among the liberated are Mykolaiv marines who had been in captivity for a long time.

According to the military, the defenders will receive full support upon their return: medical care, psychological support and further rehabilitation. This is being done by the specialists of the CIA together with the Marine Corps of Ukraine.

It is noted that for many families this exchange has become a long-awaited event. On the eve of Easter, they will finally be able to meet their relatives after years of uncertainty.

"For many families of the Marines, this Easter will be really special - full of joyful anticipation and peace of mind. The worst trials are over," the statement reads.

As reported, during the regular exchange of prisoners on April 11, a resident of Kherson, who had spent three and a half years in Russian captivity, returned to Ukraine.

Earlier, Intent wrote that in winter, five Ukrainian defenders from Odesa region, who spent almost four years in Russian captivity, returned home. On February 5, Ukraine and Russia held the first prisoner exchange since October. 157 Ukrainians returned home, while a similar number of occupants were sent to Russia. This is the 71st exchange to date. 150 soldiers and seven civilians returned home. 139 released Ukrainian citizens had been in Russian captivity since 2022.

Earlier, the human rights organization Prisoners' Defense of Ukraine said that the Russian Federation had included prisoners from Kherson and Mykolaiv regions in a large-scale prisoner exchange that took place from May 23 to 25. According to the organization, each side handed over 1,000 people: 880 military and 120 civilians. Also among those released are about 50 Ukrainians who were held in Russian prisons on various charges. Upon completion of their sentences, they were not deported, as provided by law, but left in temporary detention centers for migrants.

Андрій Колісніченко