In a poignant development amid the ongoing conflict, 189 Ukrainians, including defenders of Mariupol and Snake Island, were freed in a prisoner swap with Russia. Emotional reunions with their families unfolded at a hospital in northern Ukraine on Monday, underscoring the human cost of war.
Among the released were soldiers who had valiantly defended Mariupol, the southern city besieged for nearly three months by Vladimir Putin’s forces after the invasion began in February 2022. Their defiance became a symbol of Ukrainian resilience as they withstood Russia’s onslaught from the sprawling Azovstal steel plant until late May. The siege of Mariupol, marked by heavy bombardment and a vow by Putin that “not even a fly comes through,” exacted a devastating toll on both sides.
For families awaiting the return of their loved ones, the day was one of mixed emotions. Alina, whose husband Oleksandr had been captured defending Mariupol, tearfully expressed her feelings before his arrival. “I have so many emotions. It’s been so difficult. I just want to see him,” she said, encapsulating the anguish and relief felt by many.
The swap also included Ukrainian defenders of Snake Island in the Black Sea, an area that has been fiercely contested since the early days of the war. Snake Island, a small but strategically significant outpost, has seen numerous clashes as both sides vie for control.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared the news on X, formerly known as Twitter, hailing the operation as a significant achievement. “The return of our people from Russian captivity is always very good news for all of us. Today is one of those days – our team has managed to bring 189 Ukrainians back home,” he wrote.
He detailed the diverse group of individuals freed, which included military personnel from Azovstal, Mariupol, the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, and Snake Island. The list comprised soldiers, sergeants, officers, border guards, territorial defence forces, and sailors, alongside two civilians who had been captured in Mariupol.
“Everyone has family and friends waiting for them at home, and it is a great joy that we have been able to bring them back. Today, 189 more families are celebrating,” Zelensky added. He reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to securing the release of all its citizens held in Russian captivity, thanking the dedicated team and international partners, including the UAE, for their contributions to the effort.
The freed individuals reportedly included 87 Armed Forces service members, 43 National Guard members, 33 border guards, and 24 sailors.
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Meanwhile, the Russian Defence Ministry confirmed that a prisoner swap had taken place, with each side releasing 150 prisoners of war. It noted that the Russian captives had been released in Belarus and were being transferred to Russia. The ministry acknowledged the role of the United Arab Emirates as a mediator in the exchange.
However, discrepancies in the reported numbers of freed prisoners remain unclear, as Ukraine claimed 189 of its nationals had been returned.
This marks the 59th prisoner swap since Putin’s invasion began, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian efforts amid the relentless conflict.
For the families of those who have been freed, the day was a bittersweet reminder of the war’s profound impact but also a testament to Ukraine’s unwavering resolve to reunite its citizens with their loved ones.
