Ukraine and Russian Hostages Released

Ukraine brings home over 200 POWS and civilians in another swap with Russia. Ukrainians have brought back home 185 soldiers and 20 civilians held in Russians captivity in its latest exchange with Moscow. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on October 2nd that most of those released had been in Russian captivity since 2022. The youngest freed captive is a 26-year-old soldier and the oldest is 59. Russia and Ukraine have repeatedly exchanged captives during the full-scale war with the major swap seen as the only tangible results of the Istanbul talks. Russia has officially brought more than 700 Ukrainians. Over 2,500 Ukrainians remain in Russian captivity. The Prosecute General's office reported that at least 273 POWs have been executed by Russia while in captivity. These exchanges involved soldiers, officers and civilians who endured captivity for years. Some of them had been in places like Mariupool, Choronoblu and the Azovstal complex defending Donetsk, Luhnash, and Kherson. Upon their releases, Ukrainian soldiers often received immediate medical and psychological support. The return of the captive was a deeply emotional event for their families as some of whom have waited years. Many of the released soldiers who are in amazing health have expressed a desire to return to the armed forces and continue fighting! While thousands of Ukrainians have been returned home, thousands more are still believed to be in Russian captivity. The Ukraine government has vowed to continue working for the release of every captured citizen. The return of these prisoners is a positive step, also bringing light to reporters of abuse and torture experienced in Russian prisons, which may violate international law.

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.