Joyful New Year surprise: 187 prisoners of war have been returned to Ukraine. (photos)

On December 30, Ukraine conducted a prisoner exchange. This was reported by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"The return of our people from Russian captivity is always very good news for each of us. And today is one of those days: our team managed to bring 189 Ukrainians back home," he stated.

Home returned defenders from "Azovstal" and Mariupol, Chernobyl, Snake Island, from various fronts. Among the released prisoners of war are soldiers, sergeants, and officers.

"These include National Guardsmen, including 'Azov' members, border guards, territorial defense fighters, and warriors from the Navy and Armed Forces. Also, two civilians who were captured in Mariupol. Each one is awaited by their family and loved ones. It is a joy that we managed to bring them back. Today, another 189 families are happy," Zelensky noted.

The President emphasized that Ukraine is working to free "everyone" from Russian captivity.

"This is our goal. We do not forget anyone," he assured.

Zelensky expressed gratitude to the team that works on prisoner exchanges and to all partners who assist in this effort, particularly the United Arab Emirates.

Recall that on December 30, the Ministry of Defense reported that the Armed Forces of Ukraine would receive winter clothing of a new model. The ministry has already purchased jackets that will serve the soldiers during the winter of 2025-2026.

Ukrainian marines demonstrated how they defeated a mechanized assault by the Russian Armed Forces using FPV drones and artillery in the Kurakhove direction. According to analysts, the strike on the column of Russian equipment occurred on December 29.