On Saturday, September 14, 2024, Russia and Ukraine conducted a prisoner exchange, resulting in the release of 206 individuals: 103 Ukrainian soldiers and 103 Russian soldiers.
In a tweet, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky specified that the freed Ukrainian soldiers included members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, border guards, and police officers. These soldiers had defended the regions of Kyiv, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, Mariupol, and the Azovstal steel plant.
The Russian prisoners of war had been captured by Ukrainian forces during their offensive in the Kursk region of Russia.
Some of the freed Ukrainian prisoners shared that they were unaware of their upcoming release and had been transported by the Russian army for five days without explanation after spending two and a half years in captivity.
While this liberation is undoubtedly good news, it also highlights Russia’s severe violations of the Geneva Convention. Ukrainian prisoners face inhumane conditions, including torture, abuse, and food deprivation, with some losing as much as 40 kilograms during their captivity.
It is important to note that thousands of Ukrainian soldiers remain detained. According to Vladimir Putin, Russia is holding 6,465 Ukrainian soldiers. Ukraine must be fully empowered to defend itself, as it has been 936 days since the start of the full-scale invasion. Intensified international support is crucial to help Ukraine free its prisoners, bolster its defense capabilities, and continue its efforts to restore sovereignty and protect its people.
This exchange is a sign of hope, demonstrating that steps toward resolving the conflict are possible. However, sustained support is essential to ensure the freedom of all captives and to help Ukraine prevail in its fight against Russian aggression.
