Yusov: Preparations underway for next operations to bring Ukrainians home

Andriy Yusov, a representative of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, said this on television, Ukrinform reports.

“Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, more than 5,000 Ukrainians within the framework of exchanges and more than 500 citizens outside the exchanges have returned home, and 63 exchanges are separate operations. I can say that the next operations to return our people are already being prepared,” he said.

Yusov noted that the exchange before Easter was one of the largest during the full-scale invasion. According to him, it had been prepared for a long time, and the deadlines were pushed back several times. The DIU representative noted that Easter was an additional factor in making the exchange take place and 276 defenders and one female defender return to Ukraine.

The DIU representative emphasized that the return of 277 defenders is a good result and a symbol of the need to continue working to return military and civilians. According to him, the negotiation process is complicated, but it does not stop for a day.

“The negotiating team is working, and we see the results. This is not an easy job, most things remain behind the scenes. But I want to thank everyone involved. Separately, I would like to thank the UAE, which helps and performs an intermediary function. Also, to the families of the defenders who were not just waiting, but fighting. We are grateful for the understanding and patience of all those who were able to speak up and withhold some information or keep their emotions in check, and when necessary, to strengthen Ukraine's position to return our people,” he said.

At the same time, Yusov noted that among the returned defenders there are seriously ill and seriously wounded, they are receiving medical care and will continue to undergo rehabilitation.

As Ukrinform reported, on April 19, another 277 soldiers were returned to Ukraine from Russian captivity. Among them are defenders of Mariupol and other areas in Donetsk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia and Luhansk regions.