On August 14, Ukraine carried out its 67th prisoner exchange, during which 84 people returned home — 33 military personnel and 51 civilians. The operation was conducted within the framework of the Istanbul agreements and with the active involvement of the United Arab Emirates, once again confirming that every return of Ukrainians from Russian captivity is not just a diplomatic act, but a complex multi-level special operation.
A unique aspect of this exchange was the release of Ukrainians who had been held in Russian captivity even before the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Some had been in captivity for more than 9 years, since the occupation of Donbas in 2014. One of the released had spent 4,013 days in captivity. His identity and status — civilian or military — have not yet been disclosed by the Coordination Headquarters.
Among the released are defenders of the Mariupol garrison, representatives of the Navy, border guards, and civilians who were detained and sentenced in the temporarily occupied territories or in Russia between 2016 and 2021. Among the civilians are three women from Donetsk and Luhansk regions, including a primary school teacher who was sentenced in 2019.
A particularly notable case is that of a 27-year-old man who was imprisoned by Russian forces back in 2016 when he was only 18. He spent nine years in captivity. Details of his case remain classified.
According to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, nearly all released Ukrainians require medical assistance and long-term rehabilitation. Over 90% of those returning from Russian captivity report systematic human rights violations, torture, physical and psychological abuse.
Despite the Geneva Convention, which provides for prisoner exchanges after the end of active hostilities, Ukraine continues to fight for every citizen now. According to official statistics, more than 6,000 Ukrainians have been brought home since the beginning of the war.
Every exchange involves international partners. This time, once again, the communication channel through the United Arab Emirates proved effective. This demonstrates that international diplomacy remains a crucial tool in the fight for the lives and freedom of Ukrainians.
Every return is a unique story, a personal victory, and at the same time — a reminder that the war is not over. Ukraine remembers all those still in captivity and is working to bring each of them home.