A new prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia took place on September 13. And this was not just another exchange – this time it was possible to return a total of 49 Ukrainian servicemen who fought on the fronts of Kherson, Donetsk, and Luhansk.
Women heroes: after a long captivity
This operation is of particular significance, as for the first time in a long time, it was possible to release 23 Ukrainian women from captivity. And these are not just military personnel, but also civilian Ukrainian women who were illegally captured by Russian forces even before the full-scale war began. Imagine, these women spent years in captivity, but now they are back on their native land!
Heroes among us
Among those who returned are true heroes of our time. For example, Colonel Viktor Ivchuk of the medical service – a Hero of Ukraine who led the military hospital in Mariupol. He helped the defenders of the city in the toughest moments of defense.
Also, Crimean Tatar activist Lene Umerova has returned. She was captured by the Russians while crossing the border with Georgia. Her story once again reminds us of the struggle of the Crimean Tatars for freedom.
Who else returned?
Overall, among those liberated:
- 23 soldiers and sergeants;
- 19 officers, eight representatives of the Armed Forces of Ukraine; two from territorial defense, two policemen, four border guards, and 13 naval servicemen.
It was also possible to return 15 defenders from Mariupol and Azovstal from the National Guard – those who have become a symbol of indomitability.
Prisoner exchange: what to know?
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has been actively working on returning its defenders from captivity. And this exchange – is another step towards the release of all Ukrainian military and civilians. According to various sources, since the start of the war, dozens of exchanges have been carried out, returning hundreds of prisoners.
However, as noted by the Coordinating Committee on Prisoner of War Affairs, the exchange process is very complex and requires careful preparation and negotiations. Each released Ukrainian is the result of incredible efforts of both Ukrainian diplomats and international partners.
What’s next?
Each exchange is another step towards victory. Ukrainian military continue to defend the freedom and independence of our country, and the state is doing everything possible to bring its heroes home. Each liberation story is a symbol of hope and resilience of our people.
