Ukraine is advancing in the return of critically wounded defenders from captivity - a new phase of exchange.

Today marked another prisoner exchange under the agreements made in Istanbul. Thanks to the Coordination Headquarters for the treatment of prisoners of war, another group of defenders with severe injuries and health issues has been returned from Russian captivity.

The repatriated include servicemen from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, particularly representatives from the Navy, Ground Forces, Territorial Defense, as well as medical units and the National Guard.

All those freed today are part of the rank-and-file and sergeant corps.

Among the liberated are defenders of Mariupol, who had been held captive since 2022.

Each of the freed individuals bears injuries or severe medical diagnoses: epilepsy, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, vision problems, musculoskeletal disorders, and chronic illnesses. Many have experienced significant weight loss.

The returned defenders will be taken to medical centers for necessary examinations and treatment. They will receive all required assistance, have their documents restored, and be compensated for the time spent in captivity.

The exchange process continues in accordance with the Istanbul agreements. The exact number of liberated individuals will be announced after all phases of the exchange are completed.

The Coordination Headquarters is actively working. We are committed to bringing everyone home!