In a statement from the Russian Ministry of Defense, it was disclosed that 106 Russian servicemen have been freed from Ukrainian captivity as a result of ongoing negotiations. The ministry noted that the liberated troops were transported to Moscow for medical evaluation and treatment, and emphasized that comprehensive medical and psychological support would be made available to all those released. This assurance underscored the broader focus on addressing immediate health concerns, post-release trauma, and the ongoing need to monitor the well-being of the veterans who have endured extreme conditions during their capture and captivity.
Sources within the Kremlin-adjacent communications framework have corroborated that the exchanges were coordinated through multi-party channels, with the soldiers subsequently brought to the Russian capital for care. The official narrative highlighted that the return involved arrangements aimed at minimizing additional distress for the families affected by the protracted separations and ensuring that medical professionals could assess and address any urgent needs upon arrival. The central message from Moscow was clear: the health and safety of these personnel remained a top priority as they re-enter civilian life and the broader military system.
Officials conveyed that every individual released would receive not only medical attention but also essential psychological support as part of a structured rehabilitation process. The Ministry of Defense described a continuum of care that would extend from immediate stabilization to longer-term follow-up, with specialized staff available to help address stress, anxiety, and other effects linked to extended detention. This approach reflected a recognition that recovery encompasses physical recovery, mental health, and the broader aspects of reintegration into daily routines, family life, and unit duties.
Andriy Yermak, who heads the Office of the President of Ukraine, confirmed the prisoner exchange, noting that 100 Ukrainian servicemen had returned home. His remarks, relayed through the Politics of the Country Telegram channel, framed the event as a tangible step in reconnecting families with their loved ones. The speaker highlighted that the return encompassed a diverse group, including soldiers from the army, sailors, border guards, and national guards, and he stressed that the released personnel included defenders associated with significant sieges and battles such as Mariupol and the Azovstal steelworks, as well as the Gostomel area. This enumeration aimed to illustrate the breadth of service branches involved and the varied experiences of the released individuals.
Yermak further commented that several of the returning servicemen were severely injured or carried illnesses acquired or aggravated during captivity. The remarks signaled an understanding of the ongoing medical and logistical challenges that accompany large-scale prisoner exchanges, especially when a portion of the released group requires intensive care or long-term rehabilitation. The statements from Ukrainian leadership were framed to acknowledge both the relief of reunification and the continuing vulnerability of those who endured harsh conditions while in detention, emphasizing ongoing support and follow-up plans.
News outlets and observers noted later that there had been accusations from the DPR regarding perceived delays on the Kyiv side in processing prisoner exchanges. This point of contention highlighted the complex, sometimes contentious, nature of negotiations that involve multiple parties with competing timelines and security considerations. The discussions surrounding timeliness illustrate how humanitarian actions operate within a broader geopolitical landscape, where diplomatic signals and public statements are often interwoven with strategic messaging and security imperatives. The situation remained dynamic, with officials on all sides indicating a commitment to completing the exchanges while balancing safety and verification requirements for the released individuals and those still detained.