Geneva-Brokered Deal Secures Release of 200 Ukrainian Prisoners of War.

Prisoner Exchange in Ukraine

According to TSN.ua: On March 5, 2026, Ukraine successfully completed the first stage of a prisoner exchange, bringing 200 of its defenders home. This repatriation was made possible by agreements reached during negotiations in Geneva, facilitated by the work of Ukrainian state bodies. Such exchanges are a critical, though often protracted, component of wartime diplomacy.

The released personnel include members from several Ukrainian defense and security services:

• The Armed Forces of Ukraine
• The Naval Forces
• The Territorial Defense Forces
• The National Guard
• The State Border Guard Service
• The State Special Transport Service

Notably, among those returned are defenders of Mariupol and the Azovstal steel plant, with some having been held captive since 2022. According to Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, the oldest released serviceman is 59 years old, and the youngest is 27.

In a poignant detail, 18 of these soldiers have celebrated or will celebrate their birthdays in March. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has now managed to secure the return of 6,622 of its citizens. This latest exchange marks a significant step in the ongoing effort to repatriate all those captured and underscores Ukraine's commitment to its personnel.

This prisoner exchange highlights the critical importance of Ukraine's diplomatic efforts to bring home its citizens who remain in captivity.

Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights

Given that some of the freed soldiers endured more than a quarter of a year in captivity, this development is likely to positively impact the morale of both military personnel and their families, demonstrating the state's dedication to its defenders. Future stages of the exchange could become important elements in the broader context of working toward peace and stability in the region.