Ukraine brings 150 defenders home from Russian captivity

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced this in a Telegram post, according to Ukrinform.

"Today is a good day for all of us. We are bringing home 150 of our defenders from Russian captivity. These are soldiers, sergeants, and officers – warriors of the Navy who were taken prisoner in Mariupol and the Zaporizhzhia region, warriors of the Air Force, Air Assault Forces, Ground Forces, National Guard, border guards, warriors of the Territorial Defense Forces, and a police officer. They served in different parts of the frontline, but they share one thing in common: they fought for Ukraine," Zelensky said.

He noted that "some of these men have been in captivity for over two years." "And today, for them and their families, this day carries more weight than all the years of waiting. Seeing them home -- alive and free -- is true happiness," Zelensky said.

Zelensky thanked "everyone working to bring our people back." "I thank our partners, in particular the UAE, and all those who stand with us on this path," he said.

"We are working to bring everyone back," Zelensky concluded.

In late December 2024, as part of a prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia, 187 Ukrainian service members and two civilians returned home from Russian captivity.

Photo credit: Volodymyr Zelensky / Telegram