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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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Videos news hostages

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. 5 495 5 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Close-quarters combat

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. 4 069 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. 4 633 4 Previously in trend: Combat operations in the Pokrovsk direction

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. 5 486 11 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

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

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. 3 237 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. 4 339 4 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

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. 5 738 2 Previously in trend: Fighting in Sumy region

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. 6 147 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

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

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

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

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. 12 259 21 Previously in trend: Captured Russian mercenaries

Georgians capture two Russians Georgian soldiers in Armed Forces of Ukraine captured two Russian infantrymen in Vovchansk direction 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. 7 237 10 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Footage of GUR fighters clearing enemy positions in the Lyman direction DIU special unit "Artan" conducted clearance operation against occupiers in Lyman direction A video shared online shows the DIU special forces unit "Artan" storming and clearing enemy positions in the Lyman direction. 4 210 4 Previously in trend: Destruction of the occupiers captured occupiers Elimination of Russian occupiers

Two Russian occupiers Two occupiers can’t grasp they’ve been captured: "Where are our weapons?" - "You’re prisoners, wake up." Ukrainian soldiers captured two occupiers who were heading to reinforce a seized position. 23 939 31 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Soldiers captured a Russian Soldiers of 63rd SMB captured occupier: "I didn’t shoot. I was looking for food. I haven’t eaten for six days" Soldiers of the 63rd Separate Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine tracked down and captured a Russian occupier. 9 392 13 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Occupiers surrender Five occupiers surrender to soldiers of 5th SAB Units of the 2nd Battalion of the 5th Separate Assault Brigade successfully conducted assault operations in one of the frontline areas. 3 399 2 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Soldiers capture occupiers near the village of Vilne in Donetsk Oblast Three Ukrainian soldiers captured seven Russian occupiers near village of Vilne in Donetsk Oblast During the clearing of dachas near the village of Vilne, Donetsk region, three Ukrainian stormtroopers from the 25th separate assault battalion "Lynx" captured seven Russian soldiers at once. 7 974 23 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Border guards in the Pokrovsk direction captured the occupier "Guys, don’t come here. This is not your war": captured occupier gives "advice" to invaders In the Pokrovsk direction, border guards captured another occupier who tried to "earn money for repairs". 4 211 9 Previously in trend: interview with captured occupier captured occupiers

Prisoner exchange on 1 October Ukraine and Russia carry out prisoner swap: 185 defenders freed On October 2, Ukraine brought back another group of prisoners of war from Russian captivity. 6 518 13 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

DIU "We don’t take prisoners, shoot them," commander of occupiers gives order to execute captured Ukrainian soldiers Another war crime of the occupation army was recorded by Ukrainian intelligence officers. In an intercepted conversation, the commander of a Russian unit gives an order to execute captured Ukrainian servicemen. 7 083 38 Previously in trend: Execution of Ukrainian POWs

Mykolaienko on Russian captivity Do not exchange us for territory – former Kherson mayor Mykolaienko Former Kherson mayor Volodymyr Mykolaienko, who recently returned from Russian captivity, spoke at a farewell dinner for Andrii Parubii in Kyiv. 5 451 7 Previously in trend: Murder of Andrii Parubii

Border guards in the Pokrovsk direction captured Russians Border guards captured nine occupiers in Pokrovsk direction, - State Border Service of Ukraine On 24 August, on the Independence Day of Ukraine, soldiers of the rapid response of border commandant's office of the Chernihiv border detachment repelled another attack by Russian occupiers in the Pokrovsk direction. 6 585 4 Previously in trend: captured occupiers

Azov soldiers describe what is happening in the Pokrovsk direction Reconnaissance troops of 1st Corps of NGU "Azov" captured ruscists who killed Ukrainian soldier: situation in Pokrovsk direction Reconnaissance men of the 14th Operational Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine "Chervona Kalyna" captured a group of Russian occupiers. 17 173 14 Previously in trend: Russian assault on Pokrovsk direction Combat operations in the Pokrovsk direction captured occupiers

War Captured Russians spoke about failure of offensive on Pokrovsk and inhumane conditions in Russian army Three Russian soldiers — Artem Smirnov, Sergey Morgunov, and Eldar Zakiev — were captured by Ukrainian defenders during combat operations near Pokrovsk. They were part of different small assault groups, but they all ended up in the same place. 8 444 14 Previously in trend: Situation at front

Prisoner exchange on 14 August 2025 What is known Ukraine and Russia exchanged prisoners: 84 people, including military personnel and civilians, freed Ukraine and Russia conducted another prisoner exchange. They managed to free 84 people, both military and civilians, from Russian captivity. 4 540 6 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

POW swap Ukraine and Russia carried out prisoner exchange. Seriously ill and severely wounded defenders return home – Zelenskyy On July 23, a POW swap took place between Ukraine and Russia. Seriously ill and severely wounded defenders were returned home to Ukraine. 6 345 15 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap

war Russians fighting for Ukraine captured African mercenary in Zaporizhzhia direction Fighters of the "Freedom of Russia" legion, fighting on Ukraine’s side, captured a 29-year-old Nigerian who was sent to war by the Russian authorities after being threatened with imprisonment for drug trafficking. 6 262 21 Previously in trend: Situation at front

Skala regiment fighters captured occupiers Nine captured Russian soldiers. Failed attack by occupiers on Dnipropetrovsk region The "Skala" regiment's assault fighters captured nine Russian Armed Forces soldiers in two days of fighting. The Russian military tried to gain a foothold beyond the administrative border of Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions, but thanks to decisive actions and good planning, the "Skala" fighters managed to defeat the enemy. 6 914 13 Previously in trend: captured occupiers Butusov Plus