Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed strong optimism that the process of liberating Ukrainian citizens from Russian captivity will continue without pause, announcing that new prisoner of war (POW) exchanges are expected in the near future. The head of state shared this crucial update during his traditional evening video address.
“Today, it is fundamentally important that the recent exchange was successful. We prepared this operation for a long time. Every return of our people is of colossal significance to the entire nation. We remember everyone who remains in captivity. We search for information on every single surname. Sometimes we find people after years of silence, when it seemed nothing was known about their fate. But the main goal is to bring everyone back home to Ukraine,” Zelensky stated emphatically.
The President’s remarks follow a highly significant exchange that took place just before the Easter holidays. During that successful operation, 182 Ukrainians were brought back home, including 175 military defenders and seven civilians. This release served as a powerful symbol of hope for thousands of Ukrainian families waiting for their loved ones. The operation demonstrated Ukraine’s unwavering commitment to leaving no one behind, despite the complexities of negotiating with the aggressor state.
In his address, the Ukrainian leader extended his deep gratitude to all the professionals and government agencies working tirelessly to organize and execute these complex exchanges. He specifically praised the massive efforts of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, military intelligence (GUR), the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Armed Forces.
President Zelensky also highlighted the critical role of Ukrainian frontline troops, who directly ensure the replenishment of the so-called “exchange fund.” By capturing Russian soldiers during combat operations, Ukrainian forces provide the state with the necessary leverage to negotiate the release of its own citizens.
“Your courage, our warriors, is the sole guarantee that we will be able to return our people. Prisoners of war, civilian hostages—we remember absolutely everyone. We sincerely hope that we will continue the exchanges in the very near future. At least on our side, we are doing all the necessary work for this,” Zelensky summarized.
Following their release, returning Ukrainians often require extensive medical and psychological rehabilitation due to the harsh conditions in Russian detention facilities, which frequently violate the Geneva Conventions. The Ukrainian government, alongside various volunteer organizations, provides comprehensive support to help these individuals reintegrate into society and recover from the trauma of captivity. Ukraine continues its complex negotiations at all possible levels, engaging international mediators to accelerate the liberation of every citizen illegally held by Russia.