After months in captivity, 390 Ukrainian servicemen have returned to their homeland following the first phase of a 1,000 for 1,000 prisoner exchange, held on 23 May. Families gathered at the border under overcast skies, clutching photographs and letters as buses carrying the freed soldiers pulled into view. Tears streamed down faces as fathers, sons and comrades embraced, many overcome with emotion at their long-awaited return.
Among those released was Sergeant Andriy, who had been held since last summer. “I never lost hope,” he told reporters. “Hearing ‘Mum, I’m in Ukraine’ on the bus felt like a miracle.” Medical teams stood by to assess the men’s health, offering hot meals and new phones to contact loved ones. Officers organised briefings to ensure accurate information, avoiding premature celebrations that might compromise operational security.
Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov described the exchange as only the beginning of a wider process. He appealed for an information silence, urging media and social networks to refrain from discussing upcoming swaps. “Every life is precious,” he said. “Our priority is to bring all our people home safely.” Umerov also confirmed that negotiations continue with the Russian dictator’s regime to secure further releases.
Humanitarian agencies and international partners welcomed the swap, while critics of the Russian dictator denounced the ongoing abuse of detainees.
Morale among troops and civilians alike was lifted as the returning soldiers were escorted to rehabilitation centres across Ukraine. Yet many warned that the conflict remains brutal, and that continued diplomacy and resilience will be essential to secure the freedom of all who remain in captivity.
