Kyiv announces exchange of 215 military prisoners, including Azovstal security chiefs

“We managed to free 215 people”, Head of the Presidential Administration of Ukraine Andriy Yermak told TV. Among them are security chiefs at the Azovstal steel plant in the city of Mariupol, a symbol of resistance to the Russian invasion.

In his daily address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia had freed 55 prisoners, including former MP Viktor Medvetsuk, a close friend of Vladimir Putin, who was accused of treason in Ukraine. “Instead, we gave 55 people with no remorse or sympathy.”Who is that “Fought against Ukraine and against those who betrayed Ukraine”He began.

As part of this “A long-prepared operation”Five army generals, “Superheroes”, including Azovstal security chiefs, were transferred to Turkey, Zelensky said. Negotiations for their exchange took place “Too Long, Hard”he added.

These people will stay in Turkey “In absolute safety and comfort” up to“At the End of the War” But according to Ukraine’s president, they can visit their families there under the terms of an agreement with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

188 in total “Heroes of Azovstal and Mariupol” In this, 108 soldiers from the Azov Brigade were exchanged. “We will do everything to save all Russian captives”Mr. Zelensky was assured that among the exchanged prisoners were pregnant women.

Ten foreign prisoners of war – five British, two Americans, one Moroccan, one Swede and one Croat – were announced to be transferred from Russia to Saudi Arabia as part of an exchange between Moscow and Ukraine through Saudi diplomacy. Mr. To Zelensky. The last Ukrainian defenders of Mariupol, stationed at the huge Azovstal steelworks on the Sea of ​​Azov, surrendered to Russian forces between 16 and 20 May after three months of fierce fighting.