British News Agency

President Zelensky stated on social media that the ninth phase of the prisoner exchange had been carried out under the Istanbul agreement.

He noted that many severely wounded and ill Ukrainian defenders have returned to their homeland.

“Today, the ninth stage of the prisoner exchange was completed in line with the agreements reached in Istanbul. With each phase, the number of returnees increased. So far, we have managed to bring back more than a thousand of our citizens,” he said.

Zelensky emphasized that the return of soldiers who had been in captivity for a long time is a great source of joy both individually and socially: “This means reunification for a thousand families. Each of them will receive the necessary medical care and rehabilitation.”

The Ukrainian leader thanked everyone who contributed to the exchange process and reiterated that bringing back all citizens remains a top priority for the state. “Bringing all our people home is a priority for our state. We will continue doing everything possible to ensure every captive returns,” Zelensky concluded.