**Ukraine Secures Release of 27 Defenders of Mariupol in Historic Prisoner Exchange**
In a major breakthrough, Ukraine has secured the release of 27 defenders of Mariupol from Russian captivity. This significant development marks the second stage of the largest prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine. The 27 freed Ukrainian soldiers were part of the country’s military forces that had been defending key sectors in Luhansk, Kherson, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Donetsk.
**All Soldiers Freed are Enlisted Personnel**
Notably, all 307 released Ukrainian prisoners are enlisted and non-commissioned personnel – soldiers who were part of the National Guard, State Border Guard Service, Air Assault Forces, Unmanned Systems Forces, Territorial Defense Forces, and the Navy. This is a significant show of solidarity as these soldiers had been fighting on behalf of their country in various sectors.
**Medical Attention and Rehabilitation**
As per the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, all Ukrainian soldiers will undergo medical examinations to assess any injuries or illnesses sustained during captivity. Furthermore, they will receive necessary psychological and physical rehabilitation, as well as financial compensation for the time spent in Russian captivity. This comprehensive approach aims to help these brave soldiers regain their footing after a harrowing experience.
**First Successful Exchange of Prisoners from Specific Military Units**
This stage of the prisoner exchange also marks a first – Ukrainian prisoners from certain military units and divisions were successfully freed, according to sources. This indicates that efforts are being made to secure the release of soldiers who had been part of specific units that have faced intense combat.
**Commentary: Historic Exchange and Its Significance**
The successful completion of this prisoner exchange is a testament to Ukraine’s unwavering determination to free its citizens from captivity. As Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, noted, the youngest released prisoner is just 25 years old, while the oldest is 61. This starkly highlights the human cost of war.
In an exclusive interview with ukrainefrontlines.com, Anna Konuchenko reported that President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a third stage of the exchange is expected on May 25. With negotiations continuing in Istanbul, hopes are high for further progress in securing the release of more Ukrainian prisoners.
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