Ombudsman: Ukraine has already returned 2,105 people from Russian captivity

Ukraine has already managed to return 2,105 citizens from Russian captivity.

"[This number is] 2,105 people, including those exchanged today," Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets said during the national news telethon, Ukrinform reports.

He confirmed that the Ukrainian authorities have approximate data on how many of our fellow citizens are in captivity in the Russian Federation, but this number is not disclosed publicly.

"That helps us – the fact that we don't publicly report the number of those whom we hold in our territory – Russian prisoners of war – and those whom the Russian Federation holds captive. This is done deliberately, including in order to return our people home more effectively," the Ombudsman assured.

Lubinets called on people not to look for "treason" in the fact that the Ukrainian authorities do not reveal the number of Ukrainians held captive.

"We know about everyone in captivity, both military and civilian," he said.

Lubinets also noted that the condition of the persons released from Russian captivity on Monday is extremely difficult.

"Difficult physical condition. There are seriously wounded people, some people lost much weight, there are also people in a difficult psychological condition. And all this is evidence that the Russian Federation continues to keep our prisoners of war in unsuitable conditions, sometimes without providing basic things – enough food or water," the Ombudsman said.

On Facebook, Lubinets reported that 20 female defenders and 80 male defenders returned to their homeland as part of the prisoner swap that took place on April 10. The youngest of those freed is 19 years old.

As reported, on April 10, Ukraine held yet another prisoner swap, and 100 defenders returned home.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, there are 24 members of the National Guard of Ukraine and 22 border guards out of 100 people who returned from Russian captivity on Monday.