Ukraine Brings Home 205 POWs in First 1,000-for-1,000 Swap Stage
Ukraine brought home 205 prisoners of war from Russian captivity as part of the first stage of a planned 1,000-for-1,000 exchange with Russia. The released servicemembers include soldiers, sergeants, and officers who defended Mariupol, Azovstal, and multiple front-line regions since 2022.
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Ukraine returned 205 prisoners of war from Russian captivity on Friday, May 15, in the first stage of a planned 1,000-for-1,000 exchange with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
According to Zelensky, the released prisoners include servicemembers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, National Guard, and State Border Guard Service.
“This is the first stage of the 1,000-for-1,000 exchange,” Zelensky wrote on Telegram.
Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said the exchange was carried out under agreements reached with US mediation.
According to Ukraine’s coordination headquarters, released troops included members of Ukraine’s Navy, Ground Forces, Air Assault Forces, Territorial Defense Forces, Air Force, National Guard, and State Border Guard Service.
Human Rights Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said the exchange marked the 74th prisoner swap since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Among those released were servicemembers from the Azov Brigade, while 95% of the freed Ukrainians – 193 out of 205 – had been captured in 2022, many during the defense of Mariupol and Azovstal.
Lubinets also said one of the released prisoners had previously been convicted in Russia and later pardoned.
The US announced another $1.8 billion in humanitarian aid for UN relief work worldwide, including Ukraine, bringing total support under its “Humanitarian Reset” framework to $3.8 billion across 21 crisis-hit countries. Jeremy Lewin told RFE/RL that Ukraine would receive additional funding under the new tranche.
The youngest released servicemember was 21 years old, while the oldest was 62.
Most of the freed Ukrainians were soldiers and sergeants, though officers and captains were also included in the exchange.
Many released prisoners require rehabilitation
Lubinets said many of the returned Ukrainians came back with serious injuries, deteriorated health, and severe psychological trauma resulting from Russian captivity.
“There are defenders who were evacuated wounded from Azovstal,” he wrote.
According to officials, all released prisoners had been officially confirmed in captivity through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The coordination headquarters said the returned troops would undergo medical examinations, treatment, rehabilitation, and document restoration.
Officials also said they would receive financial compensation and other assistance.
US, UAE mediation
The coordination headquarters and Lubinets thanked the US and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for their help in mediating the exchange.
Lubinets said the prisoners’ return carried special symbolism because it took place on the International Day of Families.
“Two hundred and five families will reunite again today,” he wrote.
On May 8, Zelensky said Ukraine and Russia have agreed to carry out a large‑scale prisoner exchange involving 1,000 detainees on each side, marking a major humanitarian step amid the ongoing war.
The agreement was reached through US‑mediated negotiations, with preparations for the exchange already underway
Zelensky said Ukraine’s decisions regarding security and military posture are guided by a principle of reciprocity, but that the return of prisoners takes precedence.
The exchange would be one of the largest prisoner swaps since Russia’s full‑scale invasion began, highlighting continued, though limited, cooperation between Kyiv and Moscow.
On April 24, Ukraine and Russia carried out a 73rd prisoner swap that resulted in the release of 193 POWs. The released servicemen include members of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, the State Border Guard Service, the National Police, and the State Special Transport Service.
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