390 Ukrainian POWs Return Home in Major Prisoner Exchange

Ukraine Welcomes Home 390 Prisoners of War in First Phase of Exchange Kyiv, Ukraine – In a significant development in the ongoing conflict, 390 Ukrainian prisoners of war have returned home, marking the first phase of a larger prisoner exchange agreement. The release, announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on May 23, 2025, included soldiers from various units, including the Navy, the National Guard, and territorial defense forces, as well as 120 civilians. "The return of our heroes is a testament to our unwavering commitment to securing the freedom of all Ukrainians held captive," stated President Zelenskyy in a televised address. The video footage shows the emotional reunions of the released prisoners with their families and loved ones. The released prisoners had served in various regions including Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv and Kherson regions. The exchange, part of an agreement reached in Istanbul on May 16th, is expected to continue in the coming days. This initial release of prisoners represents a significant step towards resolving this humanitarian crisis and brings hope for the eventual return of all Ukrainian POWs. One released soldier, speaking to reporters upon his arrival, expressed gratitude for the efforts made to secure his release and his eagerness to return to his family.