According to a statement from the press service of the Russian Ministry of Defense, soldiers released from Ukrainian captivity are to be transported to Moscow for rehabilitation and medical treatment. The report, issued through the official telegraph channel, confirms this next step in the exchange process.
The ministry explained that, following negotiations with Ukrainian authorities on February 16, a total of 101 Russian servicemen were handed over to Russia. These individuals are slated to receive care at health institutions affiliated with the Ministry of Defense, ensuring access to both medical and psychological support tailored to post-captivity recovery. This assurance of comprehensive assistance reflects the ongoing concern for the well-being of those released in the exchanges.
The ministry emphasized that all returnees were provided with the necessary medical and psychological help, underscoring a commitment to their humane treatment and reintegration. The communication highlights a standardized approach to post-release care, designed to address physical injuries, mental health needs, and the broader stress associated with captivity and repatriation, all within state-supported medical facilities.
This latest exchange marks the third consecutive instance of Russian-Ukrainian soldier swaps. The sequence began with a January 8 exchange, when fifty Russian servicemen were brought back to their homeland. The subsequent round occurred on February 4, during which sixty-three Russian servicemen were returned. In that transfer, the exchange also involved the return of a significant number of bodies, totaling 116, along with several foreign volunteers who had served on the Ukrainian side. During that period, Ukrainian officials reported the repatriation of the bodies of volunteers identified as Christopher Matthew Perry and Andrew Tobias Matthew Begshaw, reflecting the somber and complex nature of these exchanges.