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Captives remain a critical issue in the war between Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine has recently made significant efforts to secure the release of its citizens from captivity. The EU has established a group to coordinate the efforts of other countries to free people being unlawfully detained. Meanwhile, Russia continues to delay the implementation of agreements on exchanges. A total of 1,596 people have been returned this year alone, but thousands of Ukrainians remain in captivity. The situation of the defenders of Mariupol is particularly difficult, with negotiations over their release still ongoing. Numerous cases of abuse of captives have also been documented, including torture by the Russian occupiers.

How many Ukrainian captives are currently being held by Russia?

As of today, the detention of 1,878 civilians has been confirmed, although the total number may be as high as 16,000. A significant number of Ukrainian prisoners of war also remain in Russian captivity, and Ukraine continues negotiations with Russia to secure their release.

Which organisations are helping to secure the release of Ukrainian captives?

The European Union is actively involved in these efforts and has established an informal group to coordinate the work of its member states. Ukraine also cooperates with international partners to facilitate prisoner exchanges.

Have Ukrainian captives been subjected to torture in Russia?

Yes. Numerous cases of torture have been documented. In particular, the bodies of 375 people have been returned with clear signs of abuse. Ukraine continues to fight for the rights of its citizens held in Russian captivity.

How many captives has Ukraine brought home this year?

Ukraine has already brought 1,596 people home from Russian captivity this year. Although this is a significant achievement, further efforts are needed to secure the release of the remaining prisoners of war and unlawfully detained civilians.

What is Russia’s position on prisoner exchanges?

Russia continues to delay prisoner exchanges despite the agreements already reached. In particular, the “1,000-for-1,000” exchanges have been delayed by the Russian side, complicating the release of Ukrainian citizens.

What is known about the defenders of Mariupol held in Russian captivity?

Securing the release of the defenders of Mariupol remains one of the most difficult issues in the exchange process. Negotiations concerning their return are still ongoing.

Are Ukrainian civilians also being held by Russia?

Yes. The detention of 1,878 Ukrainian civilians has been officially confirmed, while the actual number may be as high as 16,000. Ukraine continues working to secure their release.

Why are Ukrainian captives still awaiting release?

Thousands of Ukrainians remain in captivity because Russia delays the implementation of exchange agreements. Negotiations continue with the involvement of Ukraine’s international partners.

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Videos news Captives

Soldiers of 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade capture occupier who infiltrated Oleksiievo-Druzhkivka to film propaganda video. VIDEO Soldiers of 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade capture occupier who infiltrated Oleksiievo-Druzhkivka to film propaganda video. VIDEO Servicemen from a mobile fire group of the anti-aircraft missile battalion of the 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Knights of the Winter Campaign captured a Russian soldier in the Kostiantynivka sector. 2 982 5 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Russian propaganda

SOF fighters covertly infiltrated enemy settlement, carried out mop-up operation and took ruscist prisoner. VIDEO SOF fighters covertly infiltrated enemy settlement, carried out mop-up operation and took ruscist prisoner. VIDEO Operatives from Group ‘F’ of the 1st Detachment of the 144th Special Operations Forces Centre carried out a successful special operation in one of the operational sectors, during which they captured a Russian serviceman and cleared a designated sector of the settlement. 2 815 4 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Fighters of Defence Intelligence’s International Legion clear occupiers’ positions near Stepnohirsk and capture ruscist. VIDEO Fighters of Defence Intelligence’s International Legion clear occupiers’ positions near Stepnohirsk and capture ruscist. VIDEO Fighters of the Revenge Tactical Group of the International Legion of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine successfully cleared Russian positions near Stepnohirsk in the Zaporizhzhia region. 2 886 2 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces captured occupiers Fightings in the Zaporizhzhia direction foreign volunteers in the armed forces

Special forces from 73rd Naval Special Operations Centre seized enemy boat and took five occupiers prisoner. VIDEO Special forces from 73rd Naval Special Operations Centre seized enemy boat and took five occupiers prisoner. VIDEO Soldiers from the 73rd Naval Centre of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Special Operations Forces carried out a successful operation on the Dnipro, during which they seized an enemy boat and took five Russian soldiers prisoner. 10 351 16 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Hart Brigade routs Russian assault groups in Kharkiv region: 43 occupiers eliminated, two captured. VIDEO Hart Brigade routs Russian assault groups in Kharkiv region: 43 occupiers eliminated, two captured. VIDEO Servicemen of the Hart Brigade thwarted another series of assaults by Russian forces in the north of the Kharkiv region, inflicting significant losses on the enemy. 5 393 2 Previously in trend: Destruction of Russian equipment Elimination of Russian occupying forces captured occupiers Repelling assault

Soldiers from 225th Assault Regiment captured 64 Russian occupiers in Zaporizhzhia sector. VIDEO Soldiers from 225th Assault Regiment captured 64 Russian occupiers in Zaporizhzhia sector. VIDEO In the Zaporizhzhia sector, Ukrainian defenders have significantly bolstered their pool of prisoners to be exchanged by taking 64 Russian occupiers captive. 15 228 23 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Failed attempt to breach border leaves 32 occupiers eliminated and 5 captured. VIDEO Failed attempt to breach border leaves 32 occupiers eliminated and 5 captured. VIDEO Last week, Russian occupation forces repeatedly attempted to breach Ukraine’s state border in the Southern Slobozhanskyi sector, using small infantry groups across several sections. 6 494 4 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces captured occupiers

Prisoners were tortured, raped and left to freeze to death: two Russian sadists from Colony No. 7 in Vladimir region of Russian Federation have been identified. VIDEO Prisoners were tortured, raped and left to freeze to death: two Russian sadists from Colony No. 7 in Vladimir region of Russian Federation have been identified. VIDEO The Office of the Prosecutor General has announced that charges have been brought against two Russian executioners who turned the detention of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian hostages at Penal Colony No. 7 (in the village of Pakino, Vladimir region, Russian Federation) into a systematic... 2 941 7 Previously in trend: Investigation of Russian war crimes

Ukrainian drone equipped with loudspeaker forced three occupiers to surrender: "What’s the matter, you idiot? Don’t you want to live?". VIDEO Ukrainian drone equipped with loudspeaker forced three occupiers to surrender: "What’s the matter, you idiot? Don’t you want to live?". VIDEO Unique footage and accounts of a successful psychological and assault operation carried out by Ukrainian defenders in the Pokrovsk sector have been published online. Using a drone fitted with a loudspeaker, Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers managed to take three Russian invaders prisoner without... 5 157 6 Previously in trend: Combat operations in the Pokrovsk direction captured occupiers

Fighters from "Skelia" regiment captured occupier using drone in Pokrovsk direction. VIDEO Fighters from "Skelia" regiment captured occupier using drone in Pokrovsk direction. VIDEO In the Pokrovsk sector of Donetsk Oblast, drone operators from the 425th Separate Assault Regiment ‘Skelia’ of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Land Forces carried out a successful operation to capture a serviceman from the Russian occupation forces. A quadcopter equipped with an audio alert system... 26 977 14 Previously in trend: Combat operations in the Pokrovsk direction captured occupiers

This year, Ukraine has already returned 1,596 people from Russian captivity, Zelenskyy says. VIDEO This year, Ukraine has already returned 1,596 people from Russian captivity, Zelenskyy says. VIDEO Ukraine continues to bring people back from Russian captivity, including 1,596 people who have already been freed this year. 684 12 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Three ruscists raise hands and follow Ukrainian drone to surrender. VIDEO Three ruscists raise hands and follow Ukrainian drone to surrender. VIDEO Drone operators of the Defense Forces used a UAV to spot three Russian soldiers and forced them to lay down their arms. 3 562 9 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Drone operators

Active Operations Department fighter shows footage of clearing enemy positions and capturing 7 ruscists. VIDEO Active Operations Department fighter shows footage of clearing enemy positions and capturing 7 ruscists. VIDEO Footage has been released online showing the Active Operations Department’s troops conducting a sweep of a wooded area during an attempted infiltration by Russian infantry. 7 373 22 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces captured occupiers

Russians finished off their own wounded with drones, whom Ukrainian Armed Forces had evacuated using a ground robot. VIDEO Russians finished off their own wounded with drones, whom Ukrainian Armed Forces had evacuated using a ground robot. VIDEO Russian military personnel have once again demonstrated cruelty towards their own soldiers by killing them after they were taken prisoner. According to Censor.NET, citing the unit’s press service, during combat operations, soldiers from the 33rd Separate Assault Regiment used a drone to remotely... 11 452 14 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Ukrainian defenders of 65th Separate Mechanised Brigade took occupiers prisoner, who had been moving 13 km along gas pipeline in Orikhiv direction. VIDEO Ukrainian defenders of 65th Separate Mechanised Brigade took occupiers prisoner, who had been moving 13 km along gas pipeline in Orikhiv direction. VIDEO Soldiers from the 65th Separate Mechanised Brigade captured Russian commandos who were attempting to infiltrate via a gas pipeline in the Orikhiv sector. 14 880 46 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Hostilities in the Orikhiv direction

Russian forces used drone to kill two of their comrades whilst they were attempting to surrender to AFU. VIDEO Russian forces used drone to kill two of their comrades whilst they were attempting to surrender to AFU. VIDEO Aerial reconnaissance by the "Pegasus" strike UAV company of the 1st Separate Heavy Mechanised Brigade has captured footage of two occupiers attempting to surrender. 8 866 10 Previously in trend: Drones against occupiers captured occupiers Elimination of Russian occupiers

Fighters from 8th Special Operations Regiment cleared forest strip and eliminated occupier who refused to surrender. VIDEO Fighters from 8th Special Operations Regiment cleared forest strip and eliminated occupier who refused to surrender. VIDEO Ukrainian infantrymen from the 8th Regiment of the Special Operations Forces, part of the "UA_REG TEAM" unit, carried out a sweep of wooded terrain on one section of the front line. 5 971 5 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Close-quarters combat

Special forces of DIU’s Legion capture six occupiers in Zaporizhzhia Oblast: "Face down! Relax, f#ck. Nobody will touch you!". VIDEO Special forces of DIU’s Legion capture six occupiers in Zaporizhzhia Oblast: "Face down! Relax, f#ck. Nobody will touch you!". VIDEO Military intelligence special forces carried out an effective operation to eliminate and capture enemy personnel on the southern front. As reported by Censor.NET, a video of the combat work of fighters from the Legion unit of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has... 7 696 8 Previously in trend: Fightings in the Zaporizhzhia direction

Fighters of Rubizh Brigade capture occupier scout who was hiding in Bilytske. VIDEO Fighters of Rubizh Brigade capture occupier scout who was hiding in Bilytske. VIDEO A reconnaissance group of the Special Purpose Reconnaissance Company of the 4th Operational Assignment Brigade Rubizh of the National Guard of Ukraine captured a Russian occupier during a clearing operation in buildings in the settlement of Bilytske, Donetsk Oblast. 4 364 2 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Situation in the Donetsk region

Five occupiers were captured by fighters from "Chervona Kalyna" brigade during sweep of private homestead in Pokrovsk direction. VIDEO Five occupiers were captured by fighters from "Chervona Kalyna" brigade during sweep of private homestead in Pokrovsk direction. VIDEO Ukrainian defenders continue to successfully clear settlements near the front line and take enemy personnel prisoner. According to Censor.NET, in the Pokrovsk direction, fighters from the special reconnaissance company of the ‘Chervona Kalyna’ brigade captured five Russian occupiers. 4 709 4 Previously in trend: Combat operations in the Pokrovsk direction

"SKELIA" regiment assault troops capture Russian mercenary from Kenya in Kupiansk. VIDEO "SKELIA" regiment assault troops capture Russian mercenary from Kenya in Kupiansk. VIDEO Warriors of the 425th Separate Assault Regiment "SKELIA"  have captured a Russian mercenary who turned out to be a Kenyan citizen. 4 889 17 Previously in trend: African mercenaries of Russian army

Russian bows and crosses himself before Ukrainian drone, asking to be taken prisoner. VIDEO Russian bows and crosses himself before Ukrainian drone, asking to be taken prisoner. VIDEO Aerial reconnaissance by Ukrainian forces continues to demonstrate not only high effectiveness in eliminating the enemy but also the ability to capture prisoners remotely. A video of a successful operation by fighters of the SKELIA Separate Assault Regiment near the village of Udachne in the... 9 153 9 Previously in trend: Situation in the Pokrovsk direction captured occupiers

Reconnaissance troops from Third Army Corps exposed infiltrated ruscists in forest. VIDEO Reconnaissance troops from Third Army Corps exposed infiltrated ruscists in forest. VIDEO Soldiers from the Third Army Corps cleared out enemy infantry that had infiltrated the forest within their area of responsibility. 6 817 5 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Close-quarters combat captured occupiers

Two Ukrainian assault troops from 1st SAR captured eight Russian soldiers by "smoking them out" of dugout. VIDEO Two Ukrainian assault troops from 1st SAR captured eight Russian soldiers by "smoking them out" of dugout. VIDEO Footage has been published online showing assault troops from the 1st Separate Assault Regiment clearing an enemy dugout. 5 628 11 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Prisoner exchange takes place: 175 military personnel and seven civilians freed, — Zelenskyy. PHOTOS Prisoner exchange takes place: 175 military personnel and seven civilians freed, — Zelenskyy. PHOTOS Today, 11 April 2026, a prisoner exchange took place between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. 175 servicemen were released from enemy captivity. 6 572 14 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Occupiers surrendered to soldiers of 3rd Brigade but were eliminated by drones operated by their own accomplices. VIDEO Occupiers surrendered to soldiers of 3rd Brigade but were eliminated by drones operated by their own accomplices. VIDEO Soldiers from the 3rd Separate Heavy Mechanised Brigade have shared a story from the Kharkiv region that illustrates how Russian troops treat their own accomplices. 14 431 21 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Destruction of the occupiers’ firing positions Drone operators

DIU soldiers captured two occupiers in Zaporizhzhia sector. VIDEO DIU soldiers captured two occupiers in Zaporizhzhia sector. VIDEO Soldiers from the "Stugna" unit, part of the "Timur Special Forces" of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, captured two Russian Federation servicemen whilst carrying out stabilisation operations in the Zaporizhzhia sector. 4 193 1 Previously in trend: Fightings in the Zaporizhzhia direction

DIU Special forces carried out successful clearance operation in Zaporizhzhia sector: occupiers were driven out of residential buildings. VIDEO DIU Special forces carried out successful clearance operation in Zaporizhzhia sector: occupiers were driven out of residential buildings. VIDEO The "Chimera" unit, part of the "Tymur Special Forces Unit" of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence, carried out a successful operation to clear one of the settlements in the Zaporizhzhia sector. This was reported by Censor.NET, citing the Main Intelligence... 5 936 4 Previously in trend: Fightings in the Zaporizhzhia direction

SOF fighters, posing as Russians, captured four occupiers without firing a shot. VIDEO SOF fighters, posing as Russians, captured four occupiers without firing a shot. VIDEO The Special Operations Forces (SOF) of Ukraine demonstrated the highest level of tactical skill and psychological testing of the enemy in the Lyman direction. According to Censor.NET, fighters from the 8th Separate SOF Regiment carried out a brilliant operation to clear enemy positions under the... 11 158 43 Previously in trend: Hostilities in Lyman sector

Over 100 Russian soldiers surrendered thanks to work of Ukrainian unmanned aerial units. VIDEO Over 100 Russian soldiers surrendered thanks to work of Ukrainian unmanned aerial units. VIDEO A video has been posted online showing Russian soldiers surrendering to Ukrainian drones. 3 306 5 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Drone operators

Pilots of "Madyar’s Birds" captured two occupiers with help of drone. VIDEO Pilots of "Madyar’s Birds" captured two occupiers with help of drone. VIDEO Operators of unmanned systems of the 414th Separate Brigade of Strike Unmanned Aerial Systems (SB SUAS) "Madyar Birds" carried out an operation to capture two Russian servicemen. According to Censor.NET, the process of surrendering the occupiers was fully recorded by objective control means. 4 389 4 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Soldiers of the 158th Brigade of Armed Forces of Ukraine captured two occupiers, while three others surrendered voluntarily. VIDEO Soldiers of the 158th Brigade of Armed Forces of Ukraine captured two occupiers, while three others surrendered voluntarily. VIDEO Ukrainian defenders of the 158th Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine captured five Russian soldiers while performing combat operations. 3 971 4 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Drone operators

"Negotiator" drone with precise strike on enemy dugout convinced surviving occupier to surrender to soldiers of 225th SAR. VIDEO "Negotiator" drone with precise strike on enemy dugout convinced surviving occupier to surrender to soldiers of 225th SAR. VIDEO Ukrainian defenders demonstrate to invaders that surrender is the only chance to survive, and refusal to do so leads to immediate and explosive consequences. According to Censor.NET, a video has appeared online showing the clearing of a landing zone by soldiers of the 225th Separate Assault... 2 872 5 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Scouts from 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar" captured two occupiers while clearing positions: "You keep messing around — you’ll get bullet in your head. Got it?". VIDEO Scouts from 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar" captured two occupiers while clearing positions: "You keep messing around — you’ll get bullet in your head. Got it?". VIDEO Ukrainian defenders continue to drive the enemy out of fortifications in one of the hottest areas of the front line. According to Censor.NET, a unique video of close combat, filmed with a helmet camera by one of the scouts, has appeared online. 8 170 7 Previously in trend: Close-quarters combat captured occupiers

18 ruscists were taken prisoner in 24 hours by soldiers of International Battalion of "Azov" Brigade. VIDEO 18 ruscists were taken prisoner in 24 hours by soldiers of International Battalion of "Azov" Brigade. VIDEO Soldiers from the International Battalion of the 12th Brigade "Azov" captured 18 Russian occupiers in just one day. 6 246 5 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Waited more than three years: father learns his son has returned from captivity. VIDEO Waited more than three years: father learns his son has returned from captivity. VIDEO On Thursday, February 5, 157 defenders returned to Ukraine from Russian captivity. Among the service members who came home was the son of Ivan Roman. The father had been waiting for his son to return from Russian captivity for more than three years. 4 798 6 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

37th Marine Brigade takes only surviving ruscist prisoner near Ivanivka. VIDEO 37th Marine Brigade takes only surviving ruscist prisoner near Ivanivka. VIDEO Fighters of the 37th Separate Marine Brigade prevented the enemy from building up forces near the eastern outskirts of the village of Ivanivka in the Dnipropetrovsk region. 6 518 13 Previously in trend: Drones against occupiers captured occupiers Elimination of Russian occupiers

Special forces "DOZOR" captured sniper and Russian communications officer in Lyman direction. VIDEO Special forces "DOZOR" captured sniper and Russian communications officer in Lyman direction. VIDEO In Donetsk Oblast, special forces of the State Border Guard Service and the Armed Forces of Ukraine added a sniper and a communications officer from the Russian Federation to the exchange fund. 7 192 18 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Hostilities in Lyman sector

"It’s just fantastic": Ukrainian combat robot captures three occupiers. VIDEO "It’s just fantastic": Ukrainian combat robot captures three occupiers. VIDEO The technological advantage of the Ukrainian Armed Forces is reaching a new level, where the physical presence of an infantryman is no longer always necessary to capture the enemy. According to Censor.NET, unique footage has been published online showing a Ukrainian ground robotic complex (UGV)... 17 852 75 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Unmanned technologies

Confession of captured ruscist who executed nine Ukrainian POWs in Kursk region. VIDEO Confession of captured ruscist who executed nine Ukrainian POWs in Kursk region. VIDEO The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has collected irrefutable evidence and obtained a confession from a serviceman of the Russian Armed Forces who committed a brutal execution of Ukrainian defenders. As Censor.NET reports, the war criminal was identified as Serhii Skobeliev, a fighter of the... 13 209 79 Previously in trend: War crimes of Russia

Replenishing exchange pool: Ukrainian soldiers capture six occupiers. VIDEO Replenishing exchange pool: Ukrainian soldiers capture six occupiers. VIDEO Ukraine’s Defense Forces continue to actively replenish the prisoner exchange pool by capturing Russian invaders on various sections of the front. As Censor.NET reports, a video recording of a successful operation has been published online, during which six Russian servicemen were captured. 5 905 9 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

155th Brigade fighters captured three occupiers in one of basements of Pokrovsk. VIDEO 155th Brigade fighters captured three occupiers in one of basements of Pokrovsk. VIDEO Aerial reconnaissance of the 155th Separate Mechanised Brigade recorded the movement of a group of occupiers in the Pokrovsk direction. 3 772 4 Previously in trend: Combat operations in the Pokrovsk direction captured occupiers

8th Special Operations Forces regiment carried out raid in snow-covered forest and captured three occupiers in Donetsk region. VIDEO 8th Special Operations Forces regiment carried out raid in snow-covered forest and captured three occupiers in Donetsk region. VIDEO Operators from the 8th Special Operations Forces Regiment carried out successful special operations in one of the areas in the Donetsk region. 6 331 15 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Close-quarters combat

Two fighters from 67th SMB captured six occupiers in Oleksandrivka direction. VIDEO Two fighters from 67th SMB captured six occupiers in Oleksandrivka direction. VIDEO During search and rescue operations, two soldiers from the 3rd Mechanised Battalion of the 67th Separate Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine captured six Russian servicemen in the Oleksandrivka direction. This became known from a live stream published on 8 December 2025. 5 941 30 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

SOF fighters eliminated Russian saboteur and captured two occupiers during special operation. VIDEO SOF fighters eliminated Russian saboteur and captured two occupiers during special operation. VIDEO A unit of the 8th Regiment of the Special Operations Forces of Ukraine carried out effective special operations, during which a sabotage and reconnaissance group of Russian troops was detected. 7 369 7

Fighters capture three Russians and African mercenary from Russian army: " F#cking morons! I’m supposed to be home, but because of you b#stards I’m here!". VIDEO Fighters capture three Russians and African mercenary from Russian army: " F#cking morons! I’m supposed to be home, but because of you b#stards I’m here!". VIDEO In the Kharkiv region, Ukraine’s Territorial Defense Forces (TDF) successfully beat back another Russian assault attempt. During the fighting, troops from the 127th Separate TDF Brigade and the 247th Separate TDF Brigade captured four occupiers. 12 333 21 Previously in trend: Captured Russian mercenaries

Georgian soldiers in Armed Forces of Ukraine captured two Russian infantrymen in Vovchansk direction. VIDEO Georgian soldiers in Armed Forces of Ukraine captured two Russian infantrymen in Vovchansk direction. VIDEO A unit of Georgian fighters serving in Ukraine’s Defense Forces captured two Russian infantrymen during a clearance operation on the Vovchansk front in Kharkiv region. 7 308 10 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Two occupiers can’t grasp they’ve been captured: "Where are our weapons?" - "You’re prisoners, wake up.". VIDEO Two occupiers can’t grasp they’ve been captured: "Where are our weapons?" - "You’re prisoners, wake up.". VIDEO Ukrainian soldiers captured two occupiers who were heading to reinforce a seized position. 24 013 31 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

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