**Ukraine Secures Release of 307 Soldiers from Russian Captivity**
In a significant development, Ukraine has successfully secured the release of 307 Ukrainian soldiers from Russian captivity. This comes as part of the second phase of its largest prisoner exchange with Russia, which was announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky on May 24.
According to reports, Russia’s Defense Ministry has also confirmed that 307 Russian prisoners of war (POWs) have been brought back from Ukraine and are on their way to Belarus. The agreement on a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange was said to be the only tangible result of the Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul on May 16.
**A Glimmer of Hope in Ongoing Conflict**
The two parties had swapped 390 prisoners each in the initial phase on May 23. The process is set to continue until May 25, with both Ukrainian and Russian governments confirming they had received the lists of prisoners of war (POWs) to be exchanged on May 22.
“This is a significant step forward in our efforts to bring back our people who have been held captive by Russia,” Zelensky said. “We are working tirelessly to ensure that this process continues and brings relief to the families of those affected.”
**A Story of Courage and Resilience**
Among the newly released POWs are 27 soldiers who defended Mariupol, as well as those who fought in the Donetsk, Kherson, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Luhansk sectors. The youngest member of the group is 25, while the oldest is 61, Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said.
For some units, this was their first instance of soldiers being released from Russian captivity. It’s a testament to the courage and resilience of these soldiers who have been held captive for so long.
**A Long Road Ahead**
While the prisoner exchange is a significant development, it’s essential to note that at least 8,000 Ukrainian service members are still held captive by Russia. Ukraine has advocated for an “all-for-all” exchange, but Russia has so far rejected this proposal.
Russia is also illegally detaining at least 16,000 Ukrainian civilians, of whom only 174 have returned, according to Lubinets. The ongoing conflict continues to take a toll on the civilian population, with Kyiv targeted by a massive drone and missile strike overnight on May 24, leaving more than a dozen civilians injured.
**A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Ongoing Conflict**
Despite these challenges, the prisoner exchange offers a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing conflict. It shows that even in the darkest moments, there are those who work tirelessly to bring back our people and ensure their safety.
As President Zelensky said earlier this week, “The agreement on the release of 1,000 of our people from Russian captivity was almost the only real result of the meeting in Turkey. We are working to ensure this result.”
**A Path Forward**
While the prisoner exchange is a significant step forward, it’s essential to note that more work needs to be done. Ukraine has long advocated for an “all-for-all” exchange, and Russia’s rejection of this proposal remains a concern.
However, the fact that both parties have agreed on a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange is a positive development. It shows that even in the midst of conflict, there are opportunities for diplomacy and cooperation.
**A Call to Action**
As we move forward, it’s essential to continue advocating for an “all-for-all” exchange and pushing for Russia to release all Ukrainian civilians who have been illegally detained.
The prisoner exchange is a testament to the resilience and courage of our soldiers who have been held captive by Russia. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there are those who work tirelessly to bring back our people and ensure their safety.
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