103 Ukrainian service members freed in the first stage of a combined exchange
Event date: August 19, 2026 · Verified: October 23, 2026
The Coordination Headquarters reported the release of 103 Ukrainian service members from Russian captivity on August 19. It identified the return as the first stage of a combined prisoner exchange.
The official statistical breakdown records 101 soldiers and non-commissioned personnel and two officers. The Headquarters said most of those freed had injuries or serious illnesses. Those returning had defended Ukraine across several sectors of the front.
The Headquarters thanked the United States and the United Arab Emirates for helping organize the exchange. It said the released service members would receive medical care, physical and psychological rehabilitation and reintegration support.
Sources and verification
Read the Headquarters’ original announcement and official statistics. The August 24 and October 23 returns were later stages of the same combined exchange; stage counts should not be confused with separate exchange numbers.
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