On October 18, 2024, 95 Ukrainian defenders returned from Russian captivity, among whom 20 were sentenced to life imprisonment. This exchange was a significant event for Ukraine, as a considerable number of soldiers who had been held captive for an extended period were freed.
Details of the Exchange
During the exchange, 48 military personnel were released, who had been sentenced by Russian and occupation courts. Among them:
- 28 received lengthy prison terms;
- 20 were given life sentences.
Additionally, 34 fighters from the "Azov" regiment, who defended the city of Mariupol and spent two and a half years in captivity, returned home. Also freed was human rights activist Maxim Butkevych, who was sentenced to 13 years in prison by Russia.
The Role of Andriy Yermak
Andriy Yermak, who was part of the state team working on prisoner exchanges at that time, commented on this event. On the evening of October 18, he wrote: "95 of our people are home. We must bring everyone back." This statement highlights the importance of the exchange for the families of the freed soldiers and for the entire country.