189 Ukrainian soldiers return to Ukraine in POWs exchange
Source: Volodymyr Zelensky
On Monday, 189 Ukrainian soldiers have been released from Russian captivity and came back to Ukraine in another successful prisoner exchange, according to the country’s president.
“Bringing our people back from Russian captivity is always great news for every one of us. Today is one of those days: our team managed to return 189 Ukrainians home,” Zelensky said in a statement.
The freed individuals include soldiers who fought at Azovstal, Mariupol, Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, Snake Island, and various other frontlines. Among those released are members of the National Guard, Azov Regiment, border guards, Territorial Defense, Navy, Armed Forces, and two civilians who were captured in Mariupol.
“Each of them has loved ones waiting at home. It’s a joy that we were able to bring them back. Today, 189 families are celebrating. We are working to free every Ukrainian still in Russian captivity. This is our goal, and we will not forget anyone. I thank the team that makes these returns possible and all partners, especially the UAE, who help us in this mission,” Zelensky added.
The news initially came from Dmytro ‘Diplomat’ Andryushchenko, an Azov Brigade officer, who wrote: “I welcome Ukraine’s defenders home, including comrades from our 12th Azov Brigade, military unit 3057. It may not be many, but I am truly happy for each one”.
Amendments to Ukraine’s enforcement proceedings legislation, initiated by the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, have entered into force. Among other measures, the reform provides for the automated lifting of attachments on bank accounts immediately after debts in enforcement proceedings have been fully settled. The main practical benefit for citizens is the complete elimination of the need to contact an enforcement officer in person and wait for paper decisions once the debt has been paid.
The 157th Separate Mechanized Brigade has received another batch of supplies as part of Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front military initiative. This time, the military received seven quad bikes and four mobile shower and bath units.
In my previous column, I wrote about social innovations in Ukraine. Those innovations are part of civic resilience and the democratization of security, which Europe is paying close attention to right now. The EU is trying to work out how to spread responsibility for its own security across society as a whole, rather than leaving it to institutions alone. It is looking for concrete ways to bring ordinary people into the work of defense and resistance.
Petro Poroshenko’s lawyers have appealed to the High Anti-Corruption Court demanding that NABU be obligated to register proceedings regarding the fact of exerting influence on the court and to recognize Petro Poroshenko as a victim in the case of the Deputy Head of the Office of the President, Iryna Mudra, due to her pressure on Supreme Court judges who were considering a lawsuit to overturn sanctions.
Internationally recognized brands and financial institutions should direct capital to Ukraine now, not waiting for the hostilities to end. This was emphasized by Rinat Akhmetov, president of FC Shakhtar, during a working visit to UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, where he met with UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin.