100 defenders were returned from Russian captivity, most of them Azovstal defenders
on 8 February, the fifty-first exchange of prisoners of war took place, during which 100 defenders were returned to Ukraine.
This was reported by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Today, 100 Ukrainian servicemen were returned from Russian captivity. Most of them are defenders of Mariupol.
Another 100 Ukrainians at home in Ukraine. National Guard, border guards, AFU. Most of them are Mariupol defenders. All of them are ours, all of them are back in their native land. We are working on each and every one and we will not stop until we get everyone back! - zelensky said.
The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War added that today's exchange of prisoners of war was the 51st exchange since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
All the freed Oboronets are from the rank-and-file and non-commissioned officers. 84 rescued warriors defended Mariupol (including 82 - Azovstal defenders), the rest performed combat tasks in Donetsk and Lugansk directions, - said the Coordstab.
The oldest liberated defender is 62 years old, while the youngest will soon turn 21.
At least 28 servicemen are injured or seriously ill. An Azovstal defender who is seriously ill with cancer was returned from captivity.
In total, 3,135 Ukrainians have been returned from Russian captivity since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.