Ukraine returns home 106 Bakhmut defenders from Russian captivity

The Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andrii Yermak, said that on Thursday, May 25, Ukraine managed to return 106 defenders that served near Bakhmut.

Yermak reported on the Telegram messaging app that the swap returned eight officers and 98 soldiers and sergeants from Russian captivity.

"They fought for Bakhmut and accomplished a feat that stopped the enemy from advancing further into our East. Each of them is a hero of our state," the statement reads.

According to Yermak, among the released defenders, many were considered missing. Later, Ukraine's defense intelligence said 68 freed soldiers were deemed missing.

Intelligence also reported that three bodies were repatriated: two foreigners and a Ukrainian woman.

Among the released, 98 belong to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and 21 are part of Ukraine's territorial defense. Also, seven border guards and one State Special Transport Service serviceman returned home.

At leastseven7 survivors have various injuries: bullet and shrapnel wounds, burns and fractures, and aggravated chronic diseases. The oldest of the discharged service members is 59 years old. The youngest is 21 years old.

So far, Ukraine has returned 2,430 people home in prisoner exchanges, including 139 civilians.

As reported by Rubryka, on May 6, another 45 soldiers who defended Azovstal Steelworks during the Russian siege of Mariupol returned to Ukraine from Russian captivity. Among them are three servicewomen.

Zelensky pledged to return all Ukrainian people from Russian captivity.