On April 19, 277 Ukrainian soldiers came home, of which 246 were freed through an exchange and 31 through other means.

Source: President Volodymyr Zelensky, Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.

Direct Quote: "Today we celebrate the return of 277 heroes from Russian captivity.

These are soldiers from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, border guards, and special services who fought for Mariupol and other crucial regions."

Zelensky expressed gratitude to everyone involved in organizing the exchange, particularly highlighting the mediation of the United Arab Emirates.

The Coordination Headquarters reported that 246 soldiers were returned as part of the exchange, while 31 were freed through other means.

The majority of those released are young individuals born after 2000. Among them is a female service member who had been in captivity since May 2022.

Of those returned, 268 are enlisted personnel and sergeants, along with 9 officers.

This exchange marks the fourth this year and the 63rd since the onset of the full-scale invasion.

This year alone, 596 Ukrainians have returned home from Russian captivity through exchanges, and an additional 53 defenders were freed outside of exchanges.

Since March 2022, a total of 4552 Ukrainian citizens have been liberated through negotiations and exchanges, with an extra 529 individuals released outside of exchanges.