Forty-nine Ukrainian prisoners of war were released and returned to Kyiv in a swap with Russia.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy commended the military forces that are successfully capturing Russian troops, stating that this advantage is what enables Ukrainians to return home.

Forty-nine Ukrainian prisoners of war were released and returned to Kyiv in a swap with Russia.
Forty-nine Ukrainian prisoners of war were released and returned to Kyiv in a swap with Russia.

This week, nearly 50 Ukrainian soldiers were returned to their country in a prisoner exchange with Russia.

On Friday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that 49 Ukrainians had been returned home through a swap facilitated by the United Arab Emirates.

The Ukrainian president stated, "The return of our people is always something we eagerly anticipate and strive relentlessly to bring about."

Ukrainian Prisoners of War Kyiv POW
Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) are released into their own nation's custody following a prisoner swap with Russia this week. (Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy Via Telegram/Handout via REUTERS)

Zelenskyy thanked Ukrainian military units for capturing Russian soldiers, stating that these victories allowed the nation to demand swaps.

""Our warriors who capture Russian occupiers and neutralize saboteurs and collaborators, and our services that bring us closer to liberating our people, must be brought home," Zelenskyy stated."

This week, both military personnel and civilians were released from prison. This is the second swap since Ukraine began capturing territory in the Kursk region of Russia, where most of their own prisoners are held.

Ukrainian Prisoners of War Kyiv POW
Family, friends, and fellow countrymen gathered to welcome the Ukrainians taken captive by Russia that were released at an unknown location this week. (Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy Via Telegram/Handout via REUTERS)

Neither Russia nor Ukraine has disclosed the number of Russian prisoners exchanged for the 49 Ukrainian captives.

As Ukraine seeks permission from the United States to launch American missiles at Moscow, the release of the citizens has been announced.

On Tuesday, President Biden admitted that his administration is considering lifting the ban on Ukraine using U.S. weapons to strike deep inside Russia.

Ukrainian Prisoners of War Kyiv POW
Ukrainian prisoners of war are seen after a swap, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, at an unknown location in Ukraine, in this handout picture. (Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy Via Telegram/Handout via REUTERS)

He stated that they are currently determining whether to permit Ukraine to utilize the long-range Army Tactical Missile System, or ATACMS, to target Russian sites. All sides have expressed support for lifting the ban.

This week, a group of high-level House Republicans wrote to the president, stating that the restrictions have hindered Ukraine's ability to defeat Russia's aggression and have given the Kremlin's forces a safe haven to attack Ukraine without consequences.

Planet Chronicle Digital's Morgan Phillips contributed to this report.

by Timothy Nerozzi

world

Flight attendant dies after boarding ITA Airways plane in Italy.

Flight attendant dies after boarding ITA Airways plane in Italy.

world
An ancient Celtic artifact, a 2,300-year-old metal object, was discovered in Poland, extracted from a charcoal pit.

An ancient Celtic artifact, a 2,300-year-old metal object, was discovered in Poland, extracted from a charcoal pit.

world
An earthquake-sized explosion caused by a Ukrainian drone strike on Russia was detected from space.

An earthquake-sized explosion caused by a Ukrainian drone strike on Russia was detected from space.

world
Hezbollah members injured in Lebanon due to exploding pagers condemned by Russia: 'Explosive situation'

Hezbollah members injured in Lebanon due to exploding pagers condemned by Russia: 'Explosive situation'

world
An American citizen has been arrested in Venezuela on charges of participating in a plot to assassinate President Maduro.

An American citizen has been arrested in Venezuela on charges of participating in a plot to assassinate President Maduro.

world
Experts: Israel successfully degrades Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorists in a spectacular page explosion operation.

Experts: Israel successfully degrades Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorists in a spectacular page explosion operation.

world
A Taiwanese company claims that the Hezbollah pagers that exploded were manufactured in Hungary.

A Taiwanese company claims that the Hezbollah pagers that exploded were manufactured in Hungary.

world
Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau acknowledges that there is still work to be done after his party loses a long-held seat in Quebec.

Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau acknowledges that there is still work to be done after his party loses a long-held seat in Quebec.

world
Central Europe's Budapest and Wroclaw fortify riverbanks against impending floods.

Central Europe's Budapest and Wroclaw fortify riverbanks against impending floods.

world
In Mali's capital, a lethal assault occurred at a training camp involving militants.

In Mali's capital, a lethal assault occurred at a training camp involving militants.

world
Germany tightens immigration laws in response to voter backlash.

Germany tightens immigration laws in response to voter backlash.

world
Amid US and UK concerns, a top Russian official visits Iran for alleged nuclear deal talks.

Amid US and UK concerns, a top Russian official visits Iran for alleged nuclear deal talks.

world
Critics claim that France's culture of sexual assault is exposed during the mass rape trial.

Critics claim that France's culture of sexual assault is exposed during the mass rape trial.

world
Blinken journeys to Egypt for peace negotiations as Israel announces fresh war objective

Blinken journeys to Egypt for peace negotiations as Israel announces fresh war objective

world
A Brazilian mayoral candidate was hospitalized after being attacked with a metal chair by his political rival.

A Brazilian mayoral candidate was hospitalized after being attacked with a metal chair by his political rival.

world
A man from Canada discovered a possible ancient meteor crater while planning a trip using Google Maps.

A man from Canada discovered a possible ancient meteor crater while planning a trip using Google Maps.

world
The Israeli defense minister stated that only military action can restore residents to their homes amid the threat from Hezbollah.

The Israeli defense minister stated that only military action can restore residents to their homes amid the threat from Hezbollah.

world
Dura-Europos, a historical landmark in Syria, is widely considered the oldest church in the world.

Dura-Europos, a historical landmark in Syria, is widely considered the oldest church in the world.

world