Edited from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine

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70 Collaborators Depart to Russia as Part of Exchange Project

Seventy collaborators have crossed into Russia as part of the 'Want to Join My Own' project, which aims to exchange them for Ukrainian prisoners of war. The information was reported by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.

Ukrinform UAUpdate2 min readUpdated 5/4/2026

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This page is updated as verified details move. The lead and top sections are tightened first when the clearest confirmed angle changes.

Published May 4, 2026, 10:11 AMUpdated May 4, 2026, 10:20 AM
Seventy collaborators have crossed into Russia as part of the 'Want to Join My Own' project, which aims to exchange them for Ukrainian pr...

Photo: Ukrinform UA

At a glance

  • 70 collaborators relocated to Russia under the 'Want to Join My Own' project.
  • The project facilitates exchanges for Ukrainian prisoners of war.
  • Currently, 404 profiles of collaborators are available for potential exchange.
  • The initiative was launched by Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters on July 25, 2024.
  • Exchanges reflect Ukraine's humanitarian engagement amidst conflict.

Why it matters

The departure of collaborators highlights Ukraine's complex strategy in handling war-related issues and internal betrayal. The project aims to secure the release of captured Ukrainians while facilitating a controlled exchange process.

https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-society/4119422-u-mezah-proektu-hocu-k-svoim-70-kolaborantiv-viihali-do-rosii-koordstab.html

What Happened

As part of the ongoing 'Want to Join My Own' project, 70 collaborators from Ukraine have left for Russia. This information was confirmed by Bogdan Ochrimenko, head of the Secretariat of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War. The project facilitates the departure of individuals who have been convicted of treason in exchange for Ukrainian soldiers and civilians currently held by Russia.

Key Details

The 'Want to Join My Own' project has been operational for some time, allowing individuals convicted of collaboration to relocate to Russia in specific circumstances. According to Ochrimenko, the scheme is contingent upon Russia's willingness to accept these individuals while returning Ukrainian citizens held captive.

The project reportedly has a total of 404 profiles of collaborators who wish to leave Ukraine under this arrangement. The recent departure of 70 individuals marks a significant development in the ongoing negotiations for prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia.

Ochrimenko emphasized that these exchanges represent a 'humanitarian approach' by Ukraine towards its citizens who have been accused of collaboration with enemy forces.

Why It Matters

This development sheds light on Ukraine's efforts to navigate the complexities of war and internal betrayal. By providing a channel for these individuals to leave the country, the Ukrainian government aims to secure the return of its own citizens from captivity, adding a layer of diplomatic engagement in a challenging environment.

Background

The 'Want to Join My Own' initiative was presented by the Coordination Headquarters on July 25, 2024. The project seeks to address the situation of 404 convicted individuals who have expressed a desire to leave Ukraine in light of exchange possibilities for those captured in the ongoing conflict.

The presence of such a project indicates a multifaceted strategy in handling both the fates of collaborators and the return of Ukrainian hostages from Russian captivity. The project complements Ukraine's broader strategy of addressing war-related challenges, balancing the need for justice against the backdrop of humanitarian concerns.

Updates on this initiative may pave the way for further developments in prisoner exchanges in the future.

Source: Ukrinform UA

This report is maintained as a live newsroom article. Headlines and top paragraphs may be tightened when fresh reporting changes the clearest angle.

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