Kyiv secures release of 108 Ukrainian women from Russian captivity: Report

By Dmitri Chirciu and Mustafa Deveci

KYIV, Ukraine/MOSCOW (AA) – Ukraine has secured the release of 108 women in the first all-female prisoner swap deal with Russia since the war began in February, local media reported Monday, citing officials.

“Another large-scale prisoner swap has been carried out today. Especially emotional and truly special – we have freed 108 women from captivity,” said the head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform reported.

“It was the first female-only exchange. Mothers and daughters, whose relatives were waiting for them, were held captive,” Yermak said.

Among the freed prisoners were 37 who had held out in the Azovstal steel works, 11 officers, 85 privates and sergeants.

Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry said that 110 Russian citizens were also released as part of the swap.

On Sept. 21, Russia and Ukraine exchanged 200 prisoners of war, including senior Ukrainian commanders, as a result of Türkiye's mediation and diplomatic efforts conducted with the leaders of the two countries.