Prisoner exchange and large-scale assistance from the USA. Main news for December 30.

Ukraine has returned 189 people from captivity, the USA will provide Ukraine with assistance of almost $2.5 billion, Zelensky appointed a military ombudsman. 'Glavkom' has compiled a selection of news for December 30 so you are aware of the main events:

Ukraine has returned 187 defenders and two civilians from captivity

Ukraine has freed 189 of its citizens from Russian captivity. Among them are military personnel from various units and two civilians who were captured in Mariupol.

Ukraine has returned 189 of its citizens home from Russian captivity.

Zelensky signed a law on the liquidation of MSEC

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law on the liquidation of Medical-Social Expert Commissions (MSEC) effective January 1, 2025. Instead of MSEC, expert commissions will be created in hospitals to conduct assessments according to international criteria of functioning, limitations of vital activity, and health.

Zelensky appointed a military ombudsman

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Olga Reshetilova (Kobylynska) as the President's Commissioner for the Protection of Rights of Servicemen and Members of Families of Warriors. He emphasized that Reshetilova is a well-known and experienced human rights activist who has done much for the building of state institutions and support for Ukrainians.

The President also stressed the need to prepare a draft law on the military ombudsman and create the necessary systemic foundations for this institution.

The USA will provide Ukraine with assistance of almost $2.5 billion

President Joe Biden announced the provision of aid from the USA in the amount of almost $2.5 billion to Ukraine in the field of security.

What is included in the new assistance package for Ukraine:

• ammunition for anti-drone systems;
• ammunition for air defense;
• ammunition for Himars rocket systems;
• artillery ammunition of 155mm and 105mm calibers;
• ammunition for aviation;
• Javelin anti-tank systems and Swedish AT-4 anti-tank guided missiles;
• TOW missiles with tube launch, optical guidance, and wire tracking;
• ammunition for crew-served weapons and fragmentation grenades;
• equipment and ammunition for demolition;
• communications equipment, training, software, clothing, and individual gear;
• spare parts;
• auxiliary equipment;
• training and transportation.

Preventive measure chosen for the commander of the 211th brigade

The Pechersk District Court of Kyiv detained the commander of the 211th pontoon-bridge brigade, Colonel Oleg Poberezhniuk, with the possibility of posting bail of over 12 million UAH. Prosecutors requested to keep him in custody with the possibility of posting bail of 40 million UAH. A motion was also filed for the suspect to be suspended from official duties.

However, the court decided to keep the commander in custody with the possibility of posting a bail of 12 million 112 thousand UAH.