Ukraine Returns 185 Defenders From Russian Captivity

• 5.06.2026, 15:08

The second stage of the large-scale exchange of prisoners has taken place.

On Friday, June 5, Ukraine and Russia held the second stage of a large-scale exchange of prisoners of war in the "1000 for 1000" format. 185 military personnel and one civilian were returned home.

This was reported by Charter97.org with reference to Telegram channel of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky.

"Another 185 Ukrainian defenders are returning home today from Russian captivity. And one civilian is also returning with the defenders," the president said.

According to him, among those released: soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service. Private soldiers, sergeants and officers.

They defended our state in Mariupol and Azovstal, as well as in Donetsk, Lugansk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Zaporizhzhya, Sumy, Kiev and Kursk directions.

They are among those returning after years of Russian captivity, in which they have been since 2022.

Reminder, on May 15, 2026, the first stage of the exchange "1000 for 1000" under the agreements reached through the mediation of the United States took place. At that time, 205 Ukrainian defenders were returned from Russian captivity.