Ukraine frees seven civilians held by Russia for years after long prisoner swap

Ukraine secured the return of seven civilians unlawfully detained by Russia since 2022, including a Tyra’s Angels volunteer and medic Yuliia Paievska, ages 35–66, abducted across Mariupol and other occupied areas. The exchange was brokered through direct talks with Russia’s new human rights commissioner and came the day after Kyiv freed 160 Ukrainian POWs; Kyiv says it will continue efforts to bring home all civilians and military personnel held by Russia.