Zelenskyy: Ukraine secures return of 193 servicemen in prisoner exchange

Ukraine has secured the return of 193 servicemen as part of a prisoner exchange with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a statement on X.

According to Zelenskyy, those released include members of the Armed Forces, National Guard, Border Guard Service, National Police, and the State Special Transport Service, who had been deployed across various fronts of the conflict. Among them are wounded personnel as well as individuals against whom Russia had initiated criminal proceedings, Caliber.Az reports. 

193 Ukrainian warriors are returning home as part of a prisoner exchange.

They include servicemembers of the Armed Forces, National Guard, Border Guard Service, the National Police, and the State Special Transport Service. They defended Ukraine on various fronts. Among them are…

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 24, 2026

The president emphasised the importance of continuing prisoner exchanges, noting that efforts remain ongoing to bring all captured Ukrainians back home. He also expressed gratitude to frontline units and international partners involved in facilitating the exchanges and supporting the process.

"It is important that exchanges are taking place and that our people are returning home. I thank everyone working to make these exchanges possible – every unit on the frontline that ensures the replenishment of the exchange fund for Ukraine. I am grateful to all partners who are helping in this effort," he wrote. 

Zelenskyy added that Ukrainian authorities continue to work daily to secure the return of all citizens held in Russian captivity.

By Sabina Mammadli