Emotional Reunions: Ukraine Completes First Stage of Major Prisoner Exchange

Ukraine Announces First Stage of Large-Scale Prisoner Exchange KYIV, UKRAINE – June 10, 2025 – The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense (MOD) today released a video showing the return of Ukrainian soldiers and servicemen in the first phase of a large-scale prisoner exchange. The exchange, which took place earlier this week, involved the release of a number of Ukrainian servicemen who had been held captive. The MOD video shows emotional reunions as the soldiers disembark from a bus and are greeted with Ukrainian flags and embraces from loved ones. A spokesperson for the MOD stated that the exchange was a result of the combined efforts of President Zelenskyy, negotiating groups, and international partners. "This is the first stage of a large-scale exchange," the spokesperson said. "We are working tirelessly to bring home all Ukrainian servicemen and women." The video is a powerful testament to the ongoing conflict and the efforts being made to secure the release of prisoners of war. While the exact numbers of those released were not specified, the video's emotional impact highlights the significance of the event for the soldiers and their families. The successful completion of this first phase offers a glimmer of hope for future prisoner exchanges and the eventual return of all Ukrainian captives.