Ukraine successfully negotiated on Thursday the release of 106 captured soldiers in a prisoner exchange with Russia, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's chief of staff.

Among the released individuals were eight officers who were captured while fighting in the war-torn city of Bakhmut. While Russia claims to have captured the city entirely, Ukrainian forces maintain a small presence there.

“We are bringing home 106 people. These are servicemen from the Bakhmut direction - 8 officers and 98 soldiers and sergeants. They've fought for Bakhmut and performed a feat that prevented the enemy from advancing further into our East. Each of them is a hero,” tweeted Andriy Yermak, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.

Details about the Ukrainian prisoners exchanged by Russia were not immediately available. It is important to note that Russia initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

According to Ukrainian military intelligence, a total of 2,430 Ukrainians, including 139 civilians, have been freed in prisoner swaps so far.

During the months-long onslaught on the city of Bakhmut, both sides described the intense fighting as a brutal "meatgrinder," with Wagner playing a crucial role in Russia's operations.

In February 2022, Russia initiated a comprehensive invasion of its neighboring country. According to Ukrainian military intelligence, a total of 2,430 Ukrainians, including 139 civilians, have been liberated through prisoner exchanges. (ILKHA)