Ukraine-Russia Prisoner Exchange: Soldiers Return Home, Bearing Scars of War

Ukrainian Soldiers Return Home After Prisoner Exchange: Emotional Scenes and Harsh Realities On June 9th, 2025, Ukraine and Russia completed a prisoner exchange, marking a significant event in the ongoing conflict. The exchange brought home dozens of Ukrainian soldiers who had been held captive for years, some since 2022. Footage from the exchange shows the soldiers' emotional reunion with their families and the visible physical and psychological scars they carry. "Many of the soldiers returned in a state that cannot be described with words," says Lorennews2, a social media commentator who shared the footage. "Their faces were gaunt, their eyes empty, and the physical marks of their suffering were evident." Among those released were soldiers from various units, including border guards, national guardsmen, marines, paratroopers, and territorial defense members. Many had defended Mariupol during the siege. The exchange was part of the second round of negotiations in Istanbul. The video shows the soldiers' exhaustion and the deep emotional toll of their ordeal. The release is a testament to the ongoing diplomatic efforts amidst the conflict.