They kissed the land, cried, embraced: the first emotions of the freed fighters from captivity.

First impressions of Ukrainian defenders after their release from Russian captivity

The Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, published a video with the first impressions of Ukrainian defenders after their return from Russian captivity. In the recording, they are seen kissing their native land, happy to have returned to Ukraine.

The video shows how the defenders kiss their native land upon returning to Ukraine.

Prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia

Ukraine returned defenders and civilians from Russian captivity on July 4. Most of them had been held in Russian captivity since 2022.

The exchange included wounded and seriously ill defenders, as well as those under 25 years old. Among those released were servicemen from various military units, such as the Navy, Ground Forces, Territorial Defense, Airborne Assault Forces, Special Operations Forces, as well as the National Guard, State Border Guard Service, and State Transport Service.

It is also worth noting that on June 26, another prisoner exchange took place between Ukraine and Russia, during which many sick servicemen and civilians were able to reunite with their families. Among those released were warriors from various military units who defended the independence and security of Ukraine on the front lines.

Ukrainian defenders released from Russian captivity felt great joy upon returning to their homeland. The prisoner exchange became possible due to diplomatic efforts that allowed for the freedom of wounded and ill soldiers who gave their lives to protect Ukraine.