144 Ukrainian defenders released from captivity, including 95 Azovstal defenders – Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

A large-scale exchange was reported by The Coordination Staff for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.

144 Ukrainian defenders were released from captivity.

“This is the largest swap since the full-scale Russian invasion. 95 defenders from 144 released were involved in Azovstal defense. 43 servicemen of this group belong to Azov Regiment,” said the Headquarters’ representative.

According to the Coordination Staff office 59 released servicemen represent the National Guard; 30 – Navy; 28 – the Armed Forces of Ukraine; 17 – the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine; 9 – Territorial Defense forces; and 1 – National Police of Ukraine.

23 of them are officers, 69 are sergeants and non-commissioned officers.

“Most of the released Ukrainians have serious injuries: gunshot and shrapnel wounds, explosive injuries, burns, fractures, and amputations,” the statement reads.

All of them are now receiving appropriate medical and psychological care.

The Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine informed the organization continues its efforts to release all Ukrainian defenders from Russian captivity.

As reported, the previous 17-on-15 swap round was completed on June 28. In addition to military prisoners, one civilian was also released. This was the second prisoner exchange carried out by Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.

The first one took place on June 10. At that time 5 civilians were released, including the head of Shevchenkivska united territorial community Oleh Pylypenko.

Previously Iryna Vereshchuk, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine was responsible for the swap. She delegated these powers to the Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defenсe of Ukraine and the Security Service of Ukraine.