President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, informing about the release from Russian captivity of over 200 of our people and thanked the entire team that has been and continues to work to ensure exchanges continue.

"I wish health to all dear Ukrainians,

Today, despite everything, despite all challenges — good news after a long time. We managed to release over 200 of our people from Russian captivity. Soldiers and — very importantly — civilians. We remember all Ukrainians in Russian captivity. There was a long pause in exchanges, but there was no pause in negotiations about exchanges. We use every opportunity, try all mediation options. At each international meeting that could be of help, we raise the issue of returning our captives. And we will continue to work to return them… All of them.

Now I am glad that we managed to unlock exchanges. We have returned home soldiers from the Armed Forces and National Guard. Border guards, navy servicemen. Most are soldiers and sergeants. But also officers. Truly a good day for Ukraine. Part of these released soldiers — defenders of Mariupol and "Azovstal". For some of those released, there was no initial information that they were in captivity. And it was believed that they had disappeared without a trace. It is very important to keep hope alive.

Thank you to the entire team that has been working and continues to work to ensure exchanges continue! Budanov, Yermak, Ussov, Maluk, Klimenko. And of course, I thank every soldier on the front line who captures occupiers and replenishes our exchange fund. The more Russians we take into captivity, the more effective will be negotiations about exchanges.

Glory to Ukraine!"