Ten more Ukrainian defenders returned from captivity on Ukraine's Independence Day. The exchange took place as a special stage, through the territory of belarus.

This was reported by Bucha City Council.

Defenders freed from captivity after returning to Ukrainian-controlled territory. Photo: Bucha City Council
Defenders freed from captivity after returning to Ukrainian-controlled territory. Photo: Bucha City Council

Those who came home are servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the National Guard. All of them defended the country on the Donetsk front.

For a long time they were listed as missing. Their families did not even know whether they were alive.

Defenders freed from captivity after returning to Ukrainian-controlled territory. Photo: Bucha City Council
Defenders freed from captivity after returning to Ukrainian-controlled territory. Photo: Bucha City Council

For those who waited, this is not just news. It is a relative coming home — hope that finally became real.

Special exchange stages differ from the large ones: they bring back individual groups, often precisely those searched for by name for years.

Defenders freed from captivity after returning to Ukrainian-controlled territory. Photo: Bucha City Council
Defenders freed from captivity after returning to Ukrainian-controlled territory. Photo: Bucha City Council

Bucha City Council stressed that the search continues for every single name, and those still in captivity are not forgotten.

As a reminder, 103 defenders returned from captivity only days earlier.