Ukraine welcomes 300 soldiers home after prisoner swap with Russia

Europe-Asia, International, Politics

Kyiv, Ukraine (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — Ukraine has secured the release of 300 soldiers and two civilians from Russian captivity following a prisoner exchange under the “500-for-500” deal negotiated in Geneva. In return, Russia received 200 of its servicemen held by Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a statement on Friday titled “Another 300 Ukrainian defenders are returning home from Russian captivity,” expressed joy over the development. He confirmed that the freed Ukrainians include members of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, and the State Border Guard Service, ranging from privates to officers.

“These are warriors who defended Ukraine in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Mariupol. Most of them had been in captivity for more than a year, some since 2022,” Zelenskyy noted.

The President extended gratitude to all parties involved in facilitating the exchange, particularly the United States for its mediation role. “I thank all our warriors who ensure this result by replenishing the exchange fund for Ukraine. I thank the entire team that worked to achieve this result. I am grateful to the United States for their mediation. It is important that the agreements have worked. We remember everyone, and we must bring all our people home,” he said.