Ukraine brought back 187 defenders and two civilians from captivity.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky reported about the return home of 189 Ukrainians who were in Russian captivity. Among them were military personnel from 'Azovstal' and Mariupol, Chernobyl workers, people from Snake Island, and various fronts. The freed individuals include soldiers, sergeants, officers, and two civilians who were captured in Mariupol.

Zelensky: Each of these individuals is awaited by their family, and I am very glad that we managed to free them. Ukraine will continue to work on releasing all Ukrainians who are in captivity.

The president also expressed gratitude to the UAE and everyone who helped in this process.

Ukraine is actively conducting prisoner exchanges with Russia, but the return of Ukrainian children is complicated. The country does not abduct Russian children, so there is no possibility to exchange them.

According to the human rights commissioner in the Russian Federation, Tatyana Moskalkova, over 630 Ukrainian prisoners of war have been in Russian captivity for more than a year. Moskalkova accuses Ukraine of delaying the exchange process.

Exchanges of packages and letters for Ukrainian prisoners have also taken place. 1500 packages of warm clothing and other necessary items have been delivered to them.