The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyi, said on Monday evening that among the prisoners of war received in exchange with Russia, there are defenders of the Azovstal plant. The Ukrainian leader said that on Monday he also met with businessman Richard Branson, a supporter of Ukraine, News.ro reports.

Volodymyr ZelenskyiPhoto: Press Office of the President of Ukraine / Zuma Press / Profimedia

“Today we have good news from our exchange team. We managed to bring home 100 defenders. 80 men and 20 women. These are soldiers, border guards, sailors, national guardsmen. By the way, among them there are defenders of “Azovstal”.

One hundred families received real joy on the eve of Easter. And, of course, we continue to work to bring all people out of Russian captivity. We remember everyone! And we will return them all! Thank you to everyone in our Coordination Center of the Main Directorate of Intelligence.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the negotiations and preparation of exchanges: Budanova guys, Yermak, Malyuk, Lyubinets… Well done, guys! And I am especially grateful to everyone who supports our people after release and is engaged in treatment and adaptation. This is important,” said Zelensky.

Zelensky emphasized that on Monday he discussed this with the Prime Minister of Iraq, as well as with the Prime Minister of Greece. He also met Richard Branson – “an important British businessman and longtime friend of Ukraine.” “They have been supporting us since 2014 – both in word and concrete work. He has now decided to join the team of United24 ambassadors.

I am grateful for that! We discussed how Branson’s global influence can help us in our recovery, reconstruction of our educational institutions, attracting technological assistance to Ukraine, in particular, for humanitarian demining. We also have regular steps in defense assistance to our state in Germany, I am grateful for that. d

eight weeks – and we have reinforcements from Germany with armored vehicles, anti-aircraft defense, ammunition, engineering equipment, medicines… Everything that strengthens Ukraine’s defense against Russian terror, everything that gives our soldiers more opportunities for active movement – all this protects everyone from partner countries, all in Europe, all in the world. The term “defeat” should become a companion to the term “aggressor”, and only a Ukrainian victory will ensure this,” the Kyiv leader added.