160 Ukrainian Defenders Freed from Captivity: Who Was Released in the Latest Exchange.

Prisoner Swap Between Ukraine and Russia

According to Novyny.live: A prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia took place on June 26, resulting in the return of 160 defenders. These service members had been held captive since 2022. Those released included personnel from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service, the National Guard, and the State Border Guard Service.

The freed fighters had defended Ukraine in key regions, including:

• Mariupol
• the Azovstal steel plant
• the Donetsk
• Luhansk
• Kharkiv
• Zaporizhzhia
• Kyiv
• Chernihiv
• Sumy directions

In total, over 7,000 Ukrainians have been brought back from Russian captivity. The most recent exchange before this one occurred on June 5, when 185 Ukrainian defenders and one civilian were released. This ongoing effort underscores the scale of the humanitarian challenge facing Ukraine.

Significance of the Humanitarian Process

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed special gratitude to all units on the front lines that help replenish the exchange fund for Ukraine. He stated: 'We remember everyone who is in captivity. We check every name. We must bring everyone back—both military and civilian.'

Prisoner swaps represent a critical step in the humanitarian process, helping to sustain the morale of both service members and their families. The release of 160 defenders demonstrates that Ukraine continues to work tirelessly to secure the return of its citizens from Russian captivity—a top priority for the state. These events also highlight the need for continued international support to address the humanitarian dimensions of the conflict.