**Ukraine Returns Over 4,000 Prisoners of War from Russian Captivity**
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine has returned over 4,300 prisoners of war (POWs) to their families. This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky on March 21.
The Ukrainian government has been working with international partners and organizations to bring its citizens back from Russian captivity. In 2024 alone, 1,358 people were returned to Ukraine. The president emphasized that all necessary services are working together to reunite Ukrainians with their loved ones.
**New Prisoner Swap**
Recently, a prisoner swap was negotiated by U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 18. As part of the agreement, Russia released 197 Ukrainian soldiers. One hundred seventy-five of them were returned in a one-for-one exchange, while another 22 service members were brought back through negotiations outside of the swap.
President Zelensky stated that the release of prisoners is an important step towards ending the war. He also mentioned that Ukraine and its partners are discussing ways to bring about a full ceasefire and then sign a contract.
**Russia’s Actions**
Meanwhile, Russia has announced that Ukrainian citizens residing in Russia or occupied Ukrainian territories must leave by September 10 or “regulate their legal status.” This proposal comes as part of ongoing efforts by the international community to provide security guarantees to Ukraine.
The Kremlin also claimed that Ukraine had struck a key gas transit facility, which plays a crucial role in Russian gas exports to Europe. However, this was later disputed.
**Air and Land Battles**
Ukraine’s Air Force intercepted 114 out of 214 Russian drones launched overnight, including Shahed-type attack drones. The drones were targeted at the city of Odesa, where Russia had launched three groups of Shahed-type drones on March 20.
In other news, a car with two Russian officers exploded in the Russian-occupied town of Skadovsk in Kherson Oblast, according to Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR).