SBU: 103 Ukrainians still remain in captivity in the Donbas
103 Ukrainian soldiers and civilians are still held in captivity by the DPR (Donetsk People’s Republic) and LPR (Luhansk People’s Republic) separatists. Dozens of Ukrainian citizens are being illegally held in the territory of the Russian Federation, the press center of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported.
According to the statement, 3,215 people in total have been released from captivity since 2014 and 402 persons are still considered missing.
"We know each of them by name. And we will not stop until we have freed everyone! Our priority is to find 402 missing people and return them to their relatives," the head of the SBU, Vasyl Hrytsak, stressed following the successful release of Ukrainian hostages on Wednesday, December 27th.
According to the updated data of the Prosecutor General's Office, the exchange of prisoners on the "73 by 233" formula was held on Wednesday in the Donbas. One woman refused to return to the territory under Ukraine's control. She said she is pro-Ukraine, but her family is in Donetsk, that’s why she stayed. 26 people refused to go back to LPR and DPR.