**Ukraine Frees 189 Captives from Russia**
A successful operation has been completed, freeing over 189 Ukrainians from Russian captivity. This brings the total number of freed Ukrainians to over 3,900.
The group includes military personnel and civilians who were held by Russia. Many have reported being tortured and mistreated while in detention. Those freed include defenders of Azovstal, Mariupol, the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, and Zmiinyi (Snake) Island, as well as personnel from various frontlines.
**President’s Reaction**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the successful return of the captives. He stated that it is “always uplifting news” when Ukrainians are freed from Russian captivity. He noted that two civilians captured in Mariupol were among those released.
**Families Reunited**
Zelenskyy also mentioned that 189 families will be celebrating the return of their loved ones. He expressed joy at seeing the captives come home.
**Concerns Over Family Interactions**
However, concerns have been raised about Russian intelligence agencies trying to recruit the families of Ukrainian prisoners for espionage activities. Some families have reportedly interacted with Russian authorities directly, only to be asked to carry out tasks benefiting Moscow.