In 2024, a slightly higher number of people were returned from Russian captivity than last year. The exchange of "all for all" is necessary for both sides. This was stated by the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense Kyrylo Budanov during a telethon, UNN reports.
"...I think we returned a slightly larger number of people in 2024 than in 2023. I hope that this upward trend will continue in 2025. And eventually we will get to the point where we will return everyone back. The "all for all" exchange is necessary. No matter how ugly it may sound, it is necessary for both sides," Budanov said.
Addendum
As part of the 11th exchange in 2024, 189 Ukrainians were released from Russian captivity, including the defenders of Mariupol and Zmiinyi Island. Among those released were 173 privates and sergeants, 14 officers, and 2 civilians.
During the exchange of prisoners on Monday, December 30, 11 soldiers of the Azov Brigade, who defended Mariupol and had been held captive for almost 3 years, returned home.
The Coordination Center for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported that on December 30, the 59th exchange took place since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion. In total, during this time, the Coordination Center, on behalf of the President of Ukraine, managed to release 3956 people from Russian captivity. In particular, in 2024, we managed to liberate 1358 of our people, both military and civilians.