Another exchange with the Russians: 26 people have been returned to Ukraine

MAZURENKO ALONA –  SATURDAY, 9 APRIL 2022, 20:17

Iryna Vereshchuk, Deputy Prime Minister said that war prisoners had been exchanged with the Russians - 26 Ukrainians have been returned to Ukraine, 12 of them military and 14 civilians.

Source: Vereshchuk’s Facebook

Quote: "A third exchange of war prisoners has taken place today by order of President Zelenskyy. Twelve of our military personnel are returning home, including one female officer. We have also released 14 civilians, including 9 women. A total of 26 of our people". 

Background: 

• Ukrainian defenders released from Russian captivity said they had been tortured and humiliated by Russian invaders, including being beaten with rifle butts and having guns fired right by their ears.
• According to Vereshchuk, as of 3 April, 11 village heads were held captive by Russians.
• International organisations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, are not permitted access to Ukrainian war prisoners.
• On 1 April, the Ukrainian authorities conducted an "86 for 86" prisoner exchange. Prior to that, on March 24, they exchanged 10 for 10.