Rustem Umerov Photo: Oleksandr Klymenko / Keystone Press Agency / Global Look Press
Ukraine has launched a new large-scale prisoner exchange with Russia that will last for several days as part of the agreements reached in Istanbul. This was announced by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov on Facebook.
“This is just the beginning. The process will continue in the coming days. Negotiations are ongoing,” Umerov stressed.
According to him, young Ukrainians under the age of 25 are already returning home. The exchange is the result of joint efforts of the President, the negotiating team, the Defence Forces, diplomats and international partners.
At the same time, another important mission is underway – the return of the bodies of fallen soldiers. We are talking about the repatriation of more than 6,000 fallen Ukrainian servicemen. This process is also part of the Istanbul agreements.
“The ‘all for all’ formula is our strategic goal. Because the state must return all of its own – both the living and the dead,” Umerov stressed.
Defence Intelligence of Ukraine spokesperson Andriy Yusov said that most of those released today had spent three years in captivity. Among them are defenders of Mariupol, servicemen from the Army, the Special Forces, the Air Assault and the Navy.
“The condition is different – both moral and physical. But everyone is being helped,” Yusov assured.
He also noted the important support of civilians who greeted the released prisoners along the road with Ukrainian flags.
“It helps to return to life not only physically but also mentally,” said the intelligence representative.
The exchange will continue in stages in the coming days. The Ukrainian state does not stop fighting for each of its defenders.
