277 Ukrainian Soldiers Freed from Russian Captivity Ahead of Easter
Ukraine has successfully secured the release of 277 soldiers from Russian captivity, marking one of the largest prisoner swaps since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, The Gaze reports.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram that the released soldiers include members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, the State Special Transport Service, and border guards, many of whom fought in Mariupol, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia.
“I thank everyone who made this return of our people possible. I am especially grateful to the United Arab Emirates for their mediation,” Zelenskyy wrote.
Most of the freed soldiers are young Ukrainians born after 2000. The group includes 268 enlisted personnel and sergeants, along with nine officers. This is the fourth prisoner exchange of 2025, and the 63rd since the start of the full-scale invasion.
In total, 4,552 Ukrainian citizens were released since the beginning of the full-scale invasion as part of the negotiation process and exchanges. Outside of exchanges, an additional 529 people were released from Russian captivity.
All released soldiers will receive comprehensive medical care, back pay for the entire period of captivity, and one-time financial assistance. Ukraine also provides rehabilitation and reintegration programs to help these individuals transition back into society after months — or even years — of isolation.
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