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In the complex landscape of the ongoing conflict, the exchange and capture of hostages remain pivotal issues. Recent events highlight the 72nd prisoner swap, where 175 Ukrainian servicemen and 7 civilians were freed. The Coordination Headquarters has actively facilitated these exchanges, often coinciding with significant national dates, such as Easter. Meanwhile, operational stories unfold, with heroic captures by Ukrainian forces. For instance, Ukrainian unmanned aerial units have been instrumental in securing Russian soldiers' surrenders, showcasing technological superiority. As hostilities continue, the exchange of prisoners — now tallying over 8,000 returnees in four years — underscores diplomatic efforts to resolve humanitarian concerns amid hostilities.

How many Ukrainians have returned from Russian captivity so far?

As of the latest reports, over 8,000 Ukrainians have been returned from Russian captivity over the past four years. This significant number reflects ongoing diplomatic and military efforts to facilitate prisoner swaps amid the enduring conflict.

What was the outcome of the recent prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia?

The recent 72nd prisoner exchange resulted in the release of 175 Ukrainian servicemen and 7 civilians. This underscores continuous diplomatic negotiations and the importance of humanitarian efforts in the ongoing conflict.

What role do unmanned aerial units play in capturing hostages?

Unmanned aerial units, particularly Ukrainian drones, have played a critical role in compelling Russian soldiers to surrender. These advanced technologies provide strategic advantages in surveillance, negotiation, and reducing direct combat risks.

Are there any recent examples of Ukrainian forces capturing Russian soldiers?

Yes, Ukrainian forces consistently demonstrate tactical prowess in capturing Russian troops. For instance, special operations units successfully captured Russian soldiers during stabilization efforts in regions like Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv, increasing negotiation leverage for exchanges.

What are the challenges faced in the prisoner exchange negotiations?

Negotiations for prisoner exchanges often face challenges such as political tensions, compliance with ceasefire agreements, and logistical complexities. Nonetheless, they remain a crucial component of diplomatic efforts to protect human rights amid conflict.

How does Ukraine ensure the safety of returned hostages?

After returning from captivity, Ukrainian authorities focus on providing medical care, psychological assistance, and reintegration programs to help former hostages recover from their ordeals and reintegrate into civilian life.

What impact do successful capture operations have on the conflict?

Successful capture operations by Ukrainian forces not only disrupt enemy communications and morale but also bolster Ukraine’s bargaining power in subsequent prisoner exchange negotiations, showcasing military and strategic competence.

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News hostages

exchange 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange is being prepared, Coordination Headquarters has handed over lists to Russian side, – Zelenskyy A prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia on a 1,000-for-1,000 basis is being prepared. The Ukrainian Coordination Headquarters has already handed over lists of 1,000 people to be exchanged to the Russian side. 2 943 18 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Fighters from the 8th Special Operations Regiment cleared the wooded area of enemy infantry 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. 5 483 5 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Close-quarters combat

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Zelenskyy confirms three-day ceasefire with Russia and POW swap, thanks Trump for diplomatic involvement As part of the US-mediated negotiation process, Russia has agreed to hold a POW swap in the format of 1,000 for 1,000. A ceasefire is also to be established on May 9, 10 and 11. 8 610 129 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia Zelenskyy about ceasefire

The execution of Ukrainian soldiers by the occupiers Facts of enemy’s killing of 306 Ukrainian prisoners of war since start of full-scale invasion have been documented, - Office of Prosecutor General Since the start of Russia’s full-scale war, 116 criminal investigations have documented instances of the occupiers’ intentional killing of 306 Ukrainian prisoners of war. 541 0 Previously in trend: Execution of Ukrainian POWs

China has issued a statement regarding its citizens who have been taken captive China calls on Ukraine to treat prisoners of war who fought on side of Russian Federation humanely, — Chinese Foreign Ministry China has commented on the detention of Chinese citizens in Ukraine. 7 518 53 Previously in trend: Chinese mercenaries in Russian army

Fighters from the group captured Russians 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 been published online. 7 567 8 Previously in trend: Fightings in the Zaporizhzhia direction

National Guard of Ukraine "Rubizh" fighters captured an enemy scout in Donetsk Oblast 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. 4 068 2 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Situation in the Donetsk region

The Russians are lying in a row 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. 4 631 4 Previously in trend: Combat operations in the Pokrovsk direction

: Ukraine prepares new prisoner exchanges with Russia Ukraine preparing new prisoner exchanges – Zelenskyy Ukraine continues preparations for new prisoner exchanges with Russia, with documents and lists already prepared and negotiations ongoing. 818 12 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Prisoner exchange Most prisoners returned today were illegally held in Chechnya – Coordination Headquarters Today, the 73rd prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia took place. It became a continuation of the Easter exchange and the implementation of the relevant agreements. 3 650 3 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Kenyan mercenary in the Russian army "SKELIA" regiment assault troops capture Russian mercenary from Kenya in Kupiansk Warriors of the 425th Separate Assault Regiment "SKELIA"  have captured a Russian mercenary who turned out to be a Kenyan citizen. 4 801 17 Previously in trend: African mercenaries of Russian army

Russian surrenders Russian bows and crosses himself before Ukrainian drone, asking to be taken prisoner 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 Pokrovsk direction has been published online. Censor.NET reports. 8 925 9 Previously in trend: Situation in the Pokrovsk direction captured occupiers

The Third Assault Brigade carried out a strike and search operation and took a prisoner Reconnaissance troops from Third Army Corps exposed infiltrated ruscists in forest Soldiers from the Third Army Corps cleared out enemy infantry that had infiltrated the forest within their area of responsibility. 6 670 5 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Close-quarters combat captured occupiers

Two soldiers from the 1st Assault Regiment took eight occupiers prisoner Two Ukrainian assault troops from 1st SAR captured eight Russian soldiers by "smoking them out" of dugout Footage has been published online showing assault troops from the 1st Separate Assault Regiment clearing an enemy dugout. 5 485 11 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Chasiv Yar Russians killed three of their own soldiers, whom they mistook for wounded Ukrainian Armed Forces fighters, - 24th Separate Mechanised Brigade The command of the 24th Separate Mechanised Brigade decided to test the enemy’s compliance with the ceasefire by sending Russian prisoners of war, dressed in neutral uniforms, on a test evacuation. The enemy spotted the group and targeted their own soldiers with FPV drones, resulting in the deaths of all three. 15 930 40 Previously in trend: Easter Truce

Prisoner exchange on 11 April Coordination Headquarters on exchange: most of those freed are defenders of Mariupol. Twenty-five officers whom the Russian Federation had refused to hand over have been returned Today, on the eve of the joyous Easter holiday, the 72nd prisoner exchange took place. As a result of the negotiation process, 175 Ukrainian servicemen and 7 civilians have been returned from Russian captivity. 4 776 10 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Ukraine and Russia carried out a prisoner exchange on 6 March Prisoner exchange takes place: 175 military personnel and seven civilians freed, — Zelenskyy Today, 11 April 2026, a prisoner exchange took place between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. 175 servicemen were released from enemy captivity. 6 484 14 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Russian UAV pilots eliminated their own comrades from drones because they wanted to surrender Occupiers surrendered to soldiers of 3rd Brigade but were eliminated by drones operated by their own accomplices 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. 14 076 21 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Destruction of the occupiers’ firing positions Drone operators

Russians are being taken prisoner DIU soldiers captured two occupiers in Zaporizhzhia sector 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. 4 145 1 Previously in trend: Fightings in the Zaporizhzhia direction

clearing the building DIU Special forces carried out successful clearance operation in Zaporizhzhia sector: occupiers were driven out of residential buildings 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 Directorate’s press service. 5 796 4 Previously in trend: Fightings in the Zaporizhzhia direction

POW swap More than 8,000 Ukrainians returned from captivity over four years – Coordination Headquarters Over four years since the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, 8,050 Ukrainians have been returned from Russian captivity. 531 1 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

A soldier keeps an occupier who is surrendering in his sights SOF fighters, posing as Russians, captured four occupiers without firing a shot 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 code name "Cosmos." 11 087 43 Previously in trend: Hostilities in Lyman sector

This winter, more than 100 occupiers laid down their arms and surrendered to the Defence Forces. Over 100 Russian soldiers surrendered thanks to work of Ukrainian unmanned aerial units A video has been posted online showing Russian soldiers surrendering to Ukrainian drones. 3 235 5 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Drone operators

Russian surrenders Pilots of "Madyar’s Birds" captured two occupiers with help of drone 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. 4 338 4 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Coordination HQ expects 300-prisoner swap with Russia on 6 March On 6 March, swap of 300 POWs with Russia is expected – Coordination Headquarters Tomorrow, 6 March, a swap involving 300 military prisoners of war with Russia is expected. 1 107 3 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Soldiers of the 158th Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine captured five occupiers in their area of responsibility Soldiers of the 158th Brigade of Armed Forces of Ukraine captured two occupiers, while three others surrendered voluntarily Ukrainian defenders of the 158th Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine captured five Russian soldiers while performing combat operations. 3 897 4 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Drone operators

Soldiers captured a Russian "Negotiator" drone with precise strike on enemy dugout convinced surviving occupier to surrender to soldiers of 225th SAR 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 Battalion. 2 815 5 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Fighters escort two captured Russians 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?" 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. 8 060 7 Previously in trend: Close-quarters combat captured occupiers

A soldier leads the captured Russians Four occupiers killed, six captured: paratroopers of 71st Airborne Brigade defeated assault group of Russian Federation near Korchakivka An attempt by Russian assault troops to dislodge Ukrainian defenders from their positions near the village of Korchakivka in the Sumy region ended in defeat. According to Censor.NET, soldiers of the 71st Separate Airborne Brigade of the Airborne Forces carried out a brilliant operation to neutralise the Russian assault group. 5 736 2 Previously in trend: Fighting in Sumy region

Prisoner exchanges will continue Prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia will continue, - Zelenskyy Following negotiations between delegations from Ukraine, Russia, and the US in Abu Dhabi, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that prisoner exchanges would continue. 607 1 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

18 prisoners in 24 hours: operation by Azov Interbat fighters 18 ruscists were taken prisoner in 24 hours by soldiers of International Battalion of "Azov" Brigade Soldiers from the International Battalion of the 12th Brigade "Azov" captured 18 Russian occupiers in just one day. 6 146 5 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

The father of a freed defender became a symbol of joy during today’s prisoner exchange Waited more than three years: father learns his son has returned from captivity 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. 4 749 6 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Soldiers of the 37th Brigade captured the only surviving occupier near the village of Ivanivka. 37th Marine Brigade takes only surviving ruscist prisoner near Ivanivka 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. 6 476 13 Previously in trend: Drones against occupiers captured occupiers Elimination of Russian occupiers

Zelenskyy on prisoner exchange Russia has halted prisoner exchange process, - Zelenskyy President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Russian side had halted the prisoner exchange process because it was not involved in it. 2 569 6 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

Special forces of the SBGS’s DOZOR of 53rd Brigade captured two occupiers in the Lyman direction Special forces "DOZOR" captured sniper and Russian communications officer in Lyman direction 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. 7 110 18 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Hostilities in Lyman sector

UGV captures Russians "It’s just fantastic": Ukrainian combat robot captures three occupiers 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) single-handedly capturing three invaders. 17 744 75 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Unmanned technologies

The bound occupiers sit in a trench Replenishing exchange pool: Ukrainian soldiers capture six occupiers 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. 5 853 9 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

SBU identifies Russian marine who executed nine Ukrainian POWs Confession of captured ruscist who executed nine Ukrainian POWs in Kursk region 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 notorious 155th Separate Marine Brigade of Russia’s Pacific Fleet. 13 092 79 Previously in trend: War crimes of Russia

Three Russian troops surrender to Ukraine’s 155th brigade in Pokrovsk direction 155th Brigade fighters captured three occupiers in one of basements of Pokrovsk Aerial reconnaissance of the 155th Separate Mechanised Brigade recorded the movement of a group of occupiers in the Pokrovsk direction. 3 688 4 Previously in trend: Combat operations in the Pokrovsk direction captured occupiers

Zelenskyy: Russian who shot Ukrainian POWs in Kursk captured Armed Forces of Ukraine capture Russian responsible for shooting Ukrainian POWs in Kursk region, Zelenskyy says Ukraine’s Armed Forces have taken prisoner a Russian invader who shot Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russia’s Kursk region in October 2024. 7 251 22 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Execution of Ukrainian POWs

SOF fighters cleared the area of occupiers in the Donetsk direction. 8th Special Operations Forces regiment carried out raid in snow-covered forest and captured three occupiers in Donetsk region Operators from the 8th Special Operations Forces Regiment carried out successful special operations in one of the areas in the Donetsk region. 6 276 15 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Close-quarters combat

Lubinets Russia provides list of civilians taken from Hrabovske, no children among them – Lubinets Russia has provided a list of citizens it took from the village of Hrabovske in the Sumy region. Negotiations are currently underway to return these people to the territory of Ukraine. 2 001 8 Previously in trend: Russia evacuated 50 civilians

Status of prisoners of war: Lubinets shared what they are saying in Russia In Russia, they say that participants in "special military operation" cannot be prisoners of war because there is no war, - Lubinets Representatives of the Russian Federation say that anyone fighting against Ukraine on the side of the Russian Federation cannot be considered a prisoner of war because, allegedly, no war has been declared. 6 470 45 Previously in trend: Detention conditions of POWs

Lubinets on exchanging everyone for everyone Within framework of peace process, Ukraine insists on formula of "all for all" exchange, - Lubinets Within the framework of the peace process and humanitarian track, Ukraine insists on the return of all its citizens—prisoners of war, civilian hostages, and deported children. 479 4 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap Returning children from occupation

soldiers captured occupiers Two fighters from 67th SMB captured six occupiers in Oleksandrivka direction 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. 5 880 30 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Ukraine’s defence forces secure key areas of Vovchansk Southern part and eastern and western outskirts of Vovchansk are under control of Defence Forces – 16th Army Corps Ukraine’s Defence Forces control the eastern, western and southern parts of Vovchansk, as well as the settlements of Lyman, Vilcha and Synelnykove in the Kharkiv sector. 900 0 Previously in trend: Battles in Vovchansk

SOF fighters destroy SRG SOF fighters eliminated Russian saboteur and captured two occupiers during special operation 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. 7 255 7

African mercenaries in the Russian army 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!" 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. 12 258 21 Previously in trend: Captured Russian mercenaries