DIU: Preparations are underway for the next operations to return our prisoners

DIU: Preparations are underway for the next operations to return our prisoners

Ukraine is already working on organizing the next prisoner exchanges.

This was stated by the representative of the DIU of the Ministry of Defence, Andriy Yusov, during a television broadcast.

"Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, more than 5,000 Ukrainians have returned home through exchanges, and over 500 citizens have returned outside of exchanges, with 63 exchanges being separate operations. I can say that preparations for the next operations to return our people are already underway," he said.

Easter prisoner exchange

Yusov emphasized that the exchange before Easter was one of the largest during the period of the full-scale invasion. According to him, the exchange was prepared for a long time, and the dates were changed several times. The representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate noted that Easter was an additional factor for this exchange to take place, and 276 defenders and one female defender returned to Ukraine.

The DIU’s representative emphasized that the return of 277 defenders is an excellent result and a symbol of the need to continue working to return military personnel and civilians. He noted that the negotiation process is complex, but it does not stop for a single day.

"The negotiation group is working, and we see the results. This is not easy work, and most aspects remain behind the scenes. But I want to express gratitude to everyone involved. Especially to the UAE, which assists and performs a mediating role. Also, to the families of the defenders, who not only waited but fought. Thank you for understanding and patience to all those who could, when necessary, speak and withhold some information or restrain emotions, and when necessary, on the contrary, strengthen Ukraine’s position for the return of ours," he said.

Condition of freed defenders

At the same time, Yusov added that among the defenders who returned, there are those who are severely ill and seriously injured. They are receiving medical assistance and will continue to undergo rehabilitation.