June 26 Prisoner Swap: Budanov Welcomes Freed Ukrainian Soldiers Home.

Prisoner Exchange on June 26

According to Novyny.live: Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Office of the President, greeted the Ukrainian soldiers who returned from Russian captivity on June 26. This prisoner exchange was a significant event, as the released defenders had been held captive since 2022.

Budanov noted that most of those freed are heroic defenders of Mariupol and Azovstal, representing various branches of Ukraine’s defense forces. The group also includes soldiers who fought on the following fronts:

• Donetsk
• Luhansk
• Kyiv region
• Kharkiv region
• Sumy region
• Chernihiv region

The released contingent includes privates, sergeants, and officers alike.

This exchange underscores the humanitarian dimensions of the conflict and the Ukrainian government’s ongoing efforts to bring its citizens home. Given the prolonged captivity, the return of these soldiers is expected to boost the morale of both Ukrainian troops and the public. The freed fighters, especially those from Mariupol, have become symbols of resilience and heroism, highlighting the significance of their role in defending the nation.