On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the return of 49 prisoners of war to Ukraine, who had been held by Russia.

Among them were fighters who took part in the battle of the Azovstal factory in Mariupol in the spring of 2022. Zelensky shared the news on Telegram, along with photos showing the soldiers, including women, wrapped in Ukrainian flags.

The Ukrainian president did not specify whether this return was part of a prisoner exchange with Russia.