Volodymyr Zelenskyy: “Another 185 Ukrainian defenders are returning home today from Russian captivity. One civilian is also returning along with the defenders. They are warriors of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, and the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine – privates, sergeants, and officers.

“They defended our state in Mariupol and at Azovstal, as well as in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Kyiv, and Kursk sectors. Among them are those returning after years in Russian captivity, where they had been held since 2022.

“I thank everyone who makes this possible: the team working on exchanges and our partners. And special gratitude to the warriors who replenish our exchange fund – who, through their strength and results on the frontline, ensure the return of our people home. The work continues.

“The return of our people is a constant priority for Ukraine. Every day, we are working to free every Ukrainian man and woman from captivity.”