Freed Ukrainian prisoners of war are returning after three years of captivity.

Today, the first group of prisoners of war released within the framework of the agreements reached in Istanbul returned to Ukraine. They are all military personnel up to 25 years of age, representatives of various armed forces - the Navy, the Ground Forces, the Territorial Defense Forces, the Air Force, the Airborne Assault Troops, the Border Service, the National Guard and the State Special Transport Service. Among the released are also defenders of Mariupol, who have spent more than three years in captivity.

The current exchange is the first part of a more comprehensive process that will be carried out in accordance with the agreements. The exchange affects specific categories of prisoners of war - under 25 years of age, severely wounded and seriously ill. At the same time, work continues on the repatriation of the bodies of fallen Ukrainian soldiers.

The returned defenders will receive everything necessary - restoration of documents, payment of all due monetary compensation for the time in captivity, one-time assistance, as well as medical rehabilitation. This is the 66th exchange, and the exact number of those released will be announced after the completion of the process. Ukraine remains consistent in its efforts to apply the "all for all" formula in the exchange of prisoners of all categories.