Ukraine secures release of 182 people in Easter-eve prisoner exchange with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday announced the country had secured the return of 175 soldiers and seven civilians from Russian captivity in a prisoner exchange carried out on the eve of Easter.

“Our soldiers are returning home. 175 defenders — members of the Armed Forces, the National Guard and border service. Privates, sergeants and officers, as well as seven civilians,” Zelenskyy said.

The President added the released personnel had been deployed across multiple frontlines, including Mariupol, the Chornobyl nuclear power plant, and regions such as Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Kyiv and Kursk. Many of them had been held in captivity since 2022, with some returning in wounded condition.

Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said the youngest released individual is 22 years old, while the oldest is 63.

Zelenskyy thanked all units contributing to prisoner exchanges and emphasised that bringing every captive home remains a top priority.

“Returning everyone from Russian captivity is of utmost importance to us. We are grateful to everyone around the world who helps make this possible,” he said.

In addition to the military personnel, seven Ukrainian civilians detained by Russian forces since 2022 were also returned as part of the exchange.