Yermak said some of those transferred were mothers and daughters. He also said that 37 people surrendered from Azovstal Steel Works in Mariupol.
First Published Oct 18, 2022, 3:34 AM IST
Kyiv: Ukraine and Russia hand over 218 prisoners of war. Ukraine stated that this is the first time in eight months since the start of the war that so many prisoners have been transferred.
Ukraine says it has freed more than 100 prisoners of war and handed them over to Russia. A large number of prisoners of war were exchanged today. We freed 108 women from slavery. Andriy Yermak, Chief of Staff of the Presidency of Ukraine, said on social media that this is the first time that only female prisoners have been transferred. Yermak said some of those transferred were mothers and daughters. Ukraine will not leave anyone behind. He also said that 37 people surrendered from Azovstal Steel Works in Mariupol. Mariupol, a port city on the Sea of Azov in southeastern Ukraine, has survived weeks of continuous Russian bombardment. Ukraine said the oldest freed woman was 62 and the youngest was 21.
Denis Pushilin, head of the breakaway region of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, confirmed the transfer. He said that two of the 110 people who were freed will remain in Russia. Ukraine released pictures of freed women. Some of them are wearing coats and military uniforms. The footage also shows people getting off and on in white buses.
Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry said that 72 people who returned from Ukraine were crew members of civilian ships that have been held by Ukraine since February. The ministry said all returnees would be taken to Moscow and given medical and psychological assistance.
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Last Updated Oct 18, 2022, 3:35 AM IST
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