Freed Ukrainian POWs may be sent abroad for medical treatment – DIU official

Ukrainian soldiers released from Russian captivity will first receive medical care and rehabilitation, with the possibility of being sent abroad for further treatment.

That is according to Andrii Yusov, a representative of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate, a Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“There is one path now — by bus, or by ambulance for those who cannot be transported by bus. They are first taken to a specialized medical facility to receive initial care. After examinations, they are transferred to rehabilitation centers where professional post-isolation support is provided,” Yusov explained.

Yusov emphasized that recovery includes both medical treatment and psychological rehabilitation.

“If needed, the possibility of treatment abroad is also being considered,” he added.

He also noted the increased involvement of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the latest prisoner exchange process.

As reported by Ukrinform, Ukraine and Russia recently conducted another exchange of prisoners of war and civilians. Many of the released Ukrainian defenders had been held captive by Russia since 2022.