Today, Ukraine completed the first phase of the prisoner exchange based on agreements made in Istanbul.

The first group of servicemen under 25 years old has returned home.

This achievement is the result of the efforts of the President of Ukraine, the negotiation team, and the Coordination Headquarters for the handling of prisoners of war.

Among the released are representatives from the Naval Forces, Ground Forces, Territorial Defense Forces, Air Forces, and others. All released personnel belong to the private and sergeant ranks.

Included among the defenders are those who protected Mariupol and spent over three years in captivity.

This marks only the first part of a larger exchange that will continue under the reached agreements.

The exchange pertains to specific categories of prisoners, including those under 25, seriously injured, and critically ill inmates.

Work is also ongoing to repatriate the bodies of Ukrainian soldiers who died while protecting their homeland.

The repatriated defenders will receive all necessary support, including document restoration, payment of due financial support for the duration of captivity, and medical rehabilitation.

The 66th prisoner exchange is ongoing. Final numbers of those released will be announced after the exchange process is completed for security reasons.

Ukraine is consistently working toward implementing the exchange formula of "all for all" across all categories.