More than 200 Ukrainian soldiers and civilians returned from Russian captivity on Wednesday, January 3.
This was reported by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky.
Among the released are soldiers, sergeants and officers of the Armed Forces, National Guard, Navy, Border Guards.
There're also some of the defenders of Mariupol and "Azovstal".
"I thank everyone who, despite all difficulties, brings our people home. I am grateful to our defenders. We are making every effort to return all of our people who are still in Russian captivity," - said the Head of State.
Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets added that today, during the 49th exchange, 230 Ukrainian soldiers were released from enemy captivity.
Further released Ukrainians will undergo medical examination, assistance in issuing documents and cards, and rehabilitation.
The Human Rights Ombudsman said that a total of 2,828 defenders have already been released from Russian captivity.
At the same time, 248 Russian military have been returned to the Russian Federation.
The Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov noted that the exchange was prepared for quite a long time and the United Arab Emirates also took part in the organization of this process.
We shall remind you that Russians shot captured Ukrainian soldiers near Zaporizhzhya.