On June 9, Ukraine and Russia commenced a large-scale exchange of prisoners of war that will last for several days. This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky, who noted that the categories of individuals being returned to their homeland include the wounded and severely wounded, as well as military personnel aged under 25.
This is reported by Kyiv24
“Among the categories of those we are returning now are the wounded and severely wounded, as well as those younger than 25. The process is quite complex, with many sensitive details, and negotiations are ongoing practically every day.”
The head of state expressed hope that all agreements regarding humanitarian issues reached during negotiations in Istanbul would be fully implemented.
Details of the Exchange and Categories of the Released
According to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, on June 9, the first group of released Ukrainian soldiers under 25 years old is returning home. Among the released are representatives from various units: the Navy, Ground Forces, Territorial Defense Forces, Air Forces, Air Assault Forces, State Border Guard Service, National Guard, and State Special Transport Service. All of them are representatives of the rank-and-file and sergeant staff.
It is particularly noted that among the released are defenders of Mariupol, who had been in Russian captivity for over three years.
Exchange of Bodies of the Deceased and Further Agreements
Simultaneously, work continues on the return of the bodies of deceased Ukrainian soldiers. According to the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, Kyrylo Budanov, the exchange of bodies between Ukraine and Russia is planned for next week, and the Russian side has been informed of these agreements.
It is worth noting that during negotiations in Istanbul on June 2, the delegations of Ukraine and the Russian Federation reached new agreements regarding the exchange of prisoners of war. As reported by Ukraine’s Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov, the parties decided to focus on the exchange of severely wounded and seriously ill prisoners of war on the principle of “all for all,” as well as on the release of young soldiers aged 18 to 25. Additionally, the return of 6,000 bodies of deceased soldiers was agreed upon.
The Coordination Headquarters emphasizes that for security reasons, the final number of released military personnel will be disclosed only after the completion of the exchange process.