One of the largest exchanges of prisoners took place: who was returned to Ukraine (photos, video)
30 December 22:05
on December 30, Ukraine and Russia held the eleventh prisoner exchange in 2024, during which 189 Ukrainians returned home. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Komersant ukrainskyi reports.
“The return of our people from Russian captivity is always very good news for each of us. And today is one of those days: our team managed to bring 189 Ukrainians home,” the president wrote on his official Telegram channel.
Zelensky specified that these soldiers were defenders of Azovstal and Mariupol, the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, Zmiinyi Island, and from different front lines. Among them are soldiers, sergeants, and officers. These are National Guard members, including Azov, border guards, anti-terrorism fighters, soldiers of the Navy and Armed Forces. And also two civilians who were captured in Mariupol.
The Head of State also clarified that Ukraine’s partners also contributed to this exchange. In particular, the UAE.
Who returned from Russian captivity on December 30:
- 87 servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (17 of them;
- 43 soldiers of the National Guard;
- 33 servicemen of the State Border Guard Service;
- 24 soldiers of the Navy;
- 2 civilians.
The return of Azov fighters from captivity was confirmed by the brigade’s commander Denys Prokopenko.
“Today 11 soldiers of the 12th Azov Special Forces Brigade returned home from Russian captivity. They have undergone extremely difficult trials that lasted almost 3 years. 86 days of defense of Mariupol, heavy battles at the limit of human capabilities, captivity, imprisonment, interrogation, torture. They did not give up and came out of this hell as winners,” Prokopenko wrote on his Facebook page.
It also became known that the “New Year’s exchange” allowed journalist and soldier Roman Borshch to return to Ukraine.
The marine and defender of Mariupol was held in Russian captivity for 33 months. During this time, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War repeatedly submitted him for exchange, but Russia constantly refused.
“I don’t fully realize that this is happening… I can’t believe that I am finally home. Even now I’m holding my hands behind my back… It’s just a habit, but you have to get used to being a free man again,” the released defender said.
Another media worker was also released from the occupiers’ captivity. This is Oleksandr Gudilin, a journalist for the 0629 website who defended Mariupol. He fought with the 107th Battalion of the 109th Territorial Defense Brigade. He guarded a military hospital. After the Russian army bombed the hospital in March 2022, the surviving wounded and doctors were transported to the territory of the Ilyich Iron and Steel Works together with terrorists. From there, he was taken prisoner by Russia.
According to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, after the exchange, all those released from captivity will undergo a medical examination, receive the necessary psychological assistance, and undergo rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Documents and bank cards will also be restored, and the released prisoners will be able to receive all their due payments.
