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Ukraine Frees Group of Seriously Wounded Defenders From Russian Captivity Under Istanbul Agreement
Ukraine repatriated another group of seriously wounded and critically ill defenders from Russian captivity under the Istanbul agreements, the сoordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War announced on June 19.
Under directives from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Coordination Headquarters confirmed that on June 19 a further stage of the exchange returned to Ukraine a group of service members suffering from severe war injuries and health conditions acquired in captivity.
The freed personnel include representatives of the Naval Forces, Airborne Assault Forces, Territorial Defense, State Border Guard Service, and the National Guard, many of whom lost significant weight, suffer from dystrophy, ulcers, vision impairment, musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular disease, and digestive problems after years in captivity.
Most of the returned defenders spent over three years in Russian prisons; a substantial number were captured during the defense of Mariupol. All will undergo full medical examinations, receive physical and psychological rehabilitation, and be granted all due compensations for their period in captivity.
The Coordination Headquarters continues preparations for the next exchange phase, working tirelessly to bring every captive home.
Earlier, under the June 2 Istanbul agreement, Ukraine and Russia launched an all-for-all swap, returning over 390 critically ill and young defenders in the first exchange; those released received medical care and state compensation.
