Ukraine returns severely wounded defenders from captivity
Strong in spirit but wounded in body: Ukrainian fighters who spent years in captivity and endured hell have returned home. This is only the beginning of a major exchange.
Photo: facebook.com/koordshtab
Today, June 10, Ukraine conducted the first stage of a prisoner exchange under the category "severely wounded and seriously ill," as reported by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
Thanks to the agreements reached in Istanbul and the efforts of the Coordination Headquarters on behalf of the President, a group of Ukrainian Defenders who suffered severe injuries, amputations, shrapnel wounds, infections, and chronic diseases returned home. Many are suffering from hepatitis, tuberculosis, and loss of vision.
Among those released are the defenders of Mariupol, who spent over three years in Russian captivity. The returning military personnel represent various forces: the Armed Forces of Ukraine, marines, paratroopers, territorial defense, border guards, the National Guard, the SBU, and others.
All were immediately sent to medical facilities for full examinations, treatment, and rehabilitation. Their documents will be restored, and they will receive the benefits they are entitled to. The number of those released has not yet been disclosed for security reasons. The headquarters continues its work, with a new exchange phase coming soon.
It was previously reported that after the agreements reached in Istanbul, Ukraine carried out the first stage of a prisoner exchange—the first group of Ukrainian soldiers, including young defenders of Mariupol, returned home.
