Ukraine successfully exchanged prisoners with Russia on Wednesday, securing the release of 150 Ukrainian fighters, announced President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The prisoners arrived home, greeted by cheering crowds, with many wrapped in Ukrainian flags as they stepped off buses.
Zelenskyy described the moment as “true happiness”, emphasizing the relief and joy of families reuniting with their loved ones.
Some of the freed soldiers had been held in Russian captivity for more than two years, Zelenskyy confirmed.
Footage posted by Zelenskyy on Telegram showed former prisoners embracing their families at a secure, undisclosed location.
“This day means more than years of waiting for them and their families,” Zelenskyy wrote, celebrating their return to freedom.
The United Arab Emirates brokered the deal, continuing its humanitarian mediation efforts in previous prisoner exchanges.
Zelenskyy personally thanked the UAE and other partners for working to bring Ukrainians home.
Meanwhile, Russia’s defense ministry confirmed its released troops were undergoing medical checks in Belarus before returning to Russian territory.
