THE Ukraine secured her release 106 soldiers who had been captured in exchange of prisoners of war with the Russiaannounced Andriy Yermak, head of the office of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky.

The soldiers, including eight officers, had been captured in the devastated eastern Ukrainian town of Bakhmut, which Russia claims it has captured, but where Kiev’s armed forces say they still control a small section.

“They are warriors from Bahamut, 8 officers and 98 soldiers and sergeants. They were fighting for Bahmut and they made a manhunt, which did not allow the enemy to advance deep into our East,” said Yermak.

“Each of them is a hero of our state. Many of those returning from captivity were considered missing. Their relatives went through a difficult time,” said Andriy Yermak.

The oldest of the exchanged Ukrainians is 59 years old and the youngest 21 years old.

There was no immediate word on how many Russian soldiers returned from Ukraine in the prisoner swap.

The Ukrainian military intelligence service announced that 2,430 Ukrainians have been freed in prisoner-of-war exchanges, including 139 civilians.

The coordination staff of Ukraine responsible for the exchange of prisoners of war announced that the 98 returnees were serving in the armed forces of Ukraine, including 21 who were members of the territorial defense. Also returned were 7 border guards and a soldier of the state special transport service.

“At least seven of the rescued defenders have various injuries, from bullets and shrapnel, burns and fractures, while they have chronic diseases in progress. Three bodies were also repatriated: two foreign and one Ukrainian.”

The Russian Defense Ministry did not comment on the information about the exchange of prisoners.