Zelensky on prisoner exchange: A hundred families received true joy before Easter

President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on the release of 100 Ukrainian military personnel from Russian captivity, marking the end of 411 days of the war.

"Today we have good news from our exchange team," he said. "It was possible to bring home another 100 defenders: 80 men and 20 women. These are soldiers, border guards, military sailors, and National Guard members. Among them are defenders of "Azovstal." This is a hundred families who had true joy before Easter."

The President assured that work would continue to free Kremlin prisoners.

"I would like to thank everyone in our Coordination Center of the Main Intelligence Directorate, and to all those who are involved in negotiating and preparing exchanges – such as Budanov, Yermak, Maliuk, Lubinets... Well done, guys! And I am especially grateful to everyone who supports our people after their release and takes care of their treatment and adaptation. This is of crucial importance," added Zelensky.

On April 10, Ukraine conducted another large-scale exchange of prisoners. One hundred Ukrainian defenders, including military personnel, sailors, border guards, and National Guard members, returned home. Among them were defenders of Mariupol, "Azovstal," and Hostomel. Some people suffered serious injuries or illnesses and will require rehabilitation.

As of April, since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine has returned 2,005 people from Russian captivity.