Another 26 families got what they'd been waiting for: defenders from Mykolaiv region were freed from captivity
The best news of the day: Mykolaiv welcomes its freed soldiers
March 20 2026 the Mykolaiv City Administration reported the return from Russian captivity of another 26 servicemen from Mykolaiv region. In total, within the 72nd and 73rd exchanges, 500 Defenders returned to Ukraine.
To support the released fighters, a delegation from Mykolaiv traveled to Khmilnyk and Vinnytsia. The servicemen were welcomed on their return, spoke with visitors and discussed the next stages of rehabilitation and social support. Representatives of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the 30th Marine Corps, families of prisoners and the missing, as well as volunteer and civic organizations also joined the meetings. The atmosphere was full of support and gratitude.
Each released Defender was given a backpack with essential items. The aid was prepared by the charitable foundation team “Synergy of Mykolaiv Region” — this helps servicemen more easily get through the first days after return and begin recovery. Work to support the military continues. The main focus is on rehabilitation, social adaptation and ongoing support for veterans. At the same time, the Mykolaiv OVA team continues working on the return of Ukrainians who are still held in captivity.
The region also operates a digital assistant “Khvylka”, through which servicemembers, veterans and their family members can receive up-to-date information about available services and special offers on the website: https://veterans.digital-front.com.ua/ or use the Telegram bot: https://t.me/hvylka_bot.
Previously we wrote:
- Released from Russian captivity: servicemen receive an expanded package of payments and benefits from the state
- Don’t forget anyone: in Mykolaiv, support rallies for captives are held every Sunday
- Best news of the day: another 200 Ukrainians are returning home
- Returned from hell: 25 fighters from Mykolaiv region after the 71st exchange — what they need right now
- “Three years in captivity: Ukraine returned 185 defenders and 20 civilians”
