All these people, whose lives were in danger in captivity, returned from the territories controlled by Kiev after a complex process of negotiations, the ministry reported on Thursday.

According to the press release, the prisoners were transported to Russia in a military transport plane and are now recovering in health centers belonging to the Defense Ministry.

The released soldiers were given the opportunity to communicate with their families, and they are also provided with the pertinent medical and psychological assistance, the statement said without offering details about the exchange.

The president of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, announced a few days ago that an exchange of 200 hostages would take place after an agreement between Russia and Ukraine.

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