Over 8,000 Prisoners Freed in More Than 70 Exchanges by Coordination Staff.

Coordination Staff for Prisoner of War Affairs

According to Novyny.live: Established on March 11, 2022, the Coordination Staff for the Treatment of Prisoners of War has secured the release of over 8,000 citizens through more than 70 exchanges in four years. This body, initially headed by Kyrylo Budanov, is currently under the leadership of Oleh Ivashchenko. The Staff continues its operations focused on repatriating Ukrainian citizens from captivity. This work is a critical humanitarian effort amidst the ongoing conflict.

"In four years, the Coordination Staff has conducted over 70 prisoner exchanges."

Kyrylo Budanov

Kyrylo Budanov also emphasized the importance of the Staff's mission:

"Today, we continue the work of returning Ukrainian citizens from captivity. Our shared task remains unchanged: to bring everyone home."

Kyrylo Budanov

Recent Successes of the Staff

Among the Staff's recent achievements are exchanges that took place in early March 2023:

• On March 5, 200 Ukrainians were returned;
• On March 6, another 300 defenders were repatriated.

These events demonstrate the Staff's active work during a protracted war and its commitment to securing the return of all prisoners of war.

The activities of the Coordination Staff are of great importance in the context of the prolonged war. The repatriation of prisoners of war is not only a humanitarian concern but also a crucial moral obligation of the state to its citizens. Such exchanges highlight Ukraine's efforts to uphold human rights during the conflict, bolster national morale, and demonstrate the state's care for its defenders. The Staff's continued successes can influence both domestic and international support for Ukraine in this challenging situation.