Prisoner Swap Brings 185 Ukrainian Fighters and One Civilian Home from Russian Captivity.

Ukrainian Defenders Returned from Captivity

According to Espreso.tv: A major prisoner exchange on June 5, 2026, saw the release of 185 Ukrainian service members and one civilian from Russian detention. The swap was facilitated with support from the United States and the United Arab Emirates. All those freed had been held since 2022, enduring prolonged and harsh conditions. The youngest among them is 26 years old, while the oldest is 62.

Exchange Details

Among the released individuals are a father and son who were captured just one day apart in 2022. The returnees served in Ukraine’s Armed Forces, National Guard, and State Border Guard Service, carrying out missions across multiple regions, including:

• Mariupol
• Azovstal
• Donetsk
• Luhansk
• Kharkiv
• Kherson
• Zaporizhzhia
• Sumy
• Kyiv
• Kursk sectors

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated: 'Every day, we work to free every Ukrainian man and woman from captivity.'

According to the Coordination Headquarters, the returned defenders will undergo medical evaluations, receive treatment, and be provided with essential supplies for their initial reintegration. This exchange marks a significant milestone in Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to bring its citizens home from Russian custody.

The operation underscores Ukraine’s continued focus on humanitarian issues and the critical role of international support in such processes. Collaboration with the United States and the United Arab Emirates highlights how global partners can help address crisis situations arising from the conflict. Beyond bringing hope to families, the return of these defenders strengthens the morale of Ukrainian society amid the prolonged war.