The released Ukrainians return to Ukraine by bus, May 23, 2025. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday announced that 390 Ukrainians returned home from captivity during the first stage of prisoner exchange with Russia under the "1,000 for 1,000 formula". Ukraine and Russia reached a deal on the largest swap of their captives during a meeting in Türkiye's Istanbul on May 16. (Photo by Peter Druk/Xinhua)
KIEV, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday announced that 390 Ukrainians returned home from captivity during the first stage of prisoner exchange with Russia under the "1,000 for 1,000 formula".
"On Saturday and Sunday, we expect the exchange to continue," Zelensky wrote on social media platform X.
He emphasized that Ukraine will continue diplomatic efforts to return all its citizens who are still held in captivity.
Ukraine and Russia reached a deal on the largest swap of their captives during a meeting in Türkiye's Istanbul on May 16. ■
A Ukrainian holds a photo of a missing soldier for help, May 23, 2025. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday announced that 390 Ukrainians returned home from captivity during the first stage of prisoner exchange with Russia under the "1,000 for 1,000 formula".
Ukraine and Russia reached a deal on the largest swap of their captives during a meeting in Türkiye's Istanbul on May 16. (Photo by Peter Druk/Xinhua)
A Ukrainian woman is frustrated by failing to find her family member among the released, May 23, 2025. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday announced that 390 Ukrainians returned home from captivity during the first stage of prisoner exchange with Russia under the "1,000 for 1,000 formula".
Ukraine and Russia reached a deal on the largest swap of their captives during a meeting in Türkiye's Istanbul on May 16. (Photo by Peter Druk/Xinhua)
Ukrainian people hold photos of missing soldiers for help, May 23, 2025. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday announced that 390 Ukrainians returned home from captivity during the first stage of prisoner exchange with Russia under the "1,000 for 1,000 formula".
Ukraine and Russia reached a deal on the largest swap of their captives during a meeting in Türkiye's Istanbul on May 16. (Photo by Peter Druk/Xinhua)
Ukrainian people hold photos of missing soldiers to ask the released Ukrainians about their whereabouts, May 23, 2025. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday announced that 390 Ukrainians returned home from captivity during the first stage of prisoner exchange with Russia under the "1,000 for 1,000 formula".
Ukraine and Russia reached a deal on the largest swap of their captives during a meeting in Türkiye's Istanbul on May 16. (Photo by Peter Druk/Xinhua)
A released Ukrainian soldier hugs his family member, May 23, 2025. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday announced that 390 Ukrainians returned home from captivity during the first stage of prisoner exchange with Russia under the "1,000 for 1,000 formula".
Ukraine and Russia reached a deal on the largest swap of their captives during a meeting in Türkiye's Istanbul on May 16. (Photo by Peter Druk/Xinhua)
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov welcomes the released Ukrainians back to Ukraine, May 23, 2025. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday announced that 390 Ukrainians returned home from captivity during the first stage of prisoner exchange with Russia under the "1,000 for 1,000 formula".
Ukraine and Russia reached a deal on the largest swap of their captives during a meeting in Türkiye's Istanbul on May 16. (Photo by Peter Druk/Xinhua)
