Security Service of Ukraine releases first video showing freed Ukrainian defenders
THURSDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER 2022, 18:42
The Security Service of Ukraine posted footage of the prisoner swap from 21 September, when Ukrainian defenders were set free.
Source: the Security Service of Ukraine
Quote: "We want to show unique footage of how the prisoner swap was conducted; the first and most sincere emotions of Ukrainian defenders who knew they would not be forgotten and would be brought back home."
Details: As can be seen, the prisoner swap took place in Chernihiv Oblast, northern Ukraine.
Previously, Dmytro Lubinets, the Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament), reported that the prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia took place in three locations simultaneously on 21 September. 200 Ukrainian defenders were exchanged for 55 Russian troops.
Background:
- On 21 September, Ukraine succeeded in setting 215 Ukrainian defenders free, as part of prisoner swap with Russia.
- There are border guards, police officers, marines, National Guardsmen, soldiers of Territorial Defence Forces, customs officers, and civilians among the released prisoners. In addition, Denys "Redis" Prokopenko, Serhii "Volyna" Volynskyi, Sviatoslav Palamar, Denys Shleha, Oleh Khomenko [the commanders from Azovstal steel plant] were also released. Mykola "Frost" Kushch and Kostiantyn "Fox" Nikitenko, whom the occupiers had wanted to execute, were set free as well.
- 5 commanders of Ukrainian units that defended Mariupol from Russians are currently in Turkey, under personal protection guarantees provided by President Recep Tayip Erdoğan.
- Russia got back Viktor Medvedchuk, who has family ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and 55 Russian occupiers.
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