Russia and Ukraine have conducted a prisoner of war exchange involving nearly 200 servicemen from each side, according to Moscow’s Defense Ministry.
In a statement released on Friday, the ministry reported that “185 Russian servicemen were returned from territory controlled by the Kiev regime. In exchange, 185 Ukrainian Armed Forces prisoners of war were transferred.”
The swap was facilitated through humanitarian mediation by the United Arab Emirates, as stated by Moscow’s Defense Ministry.
Russian servicemen are currently in Belarus for psychological and medical assistance, with Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova actively supporting them. After receiving necessary care, these personnel will be transported to Russia for further rehabilitation in military-operated facilities.
This exchange follows a pattern of prisoner swaps between Moscow and Kiev in recent months. On May 15, both sides exchanged 205 prisoners each with UAE mediation. In April, they conducted exchanges involving 193 Russian soldiers and 175 Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel. Earlier this year, they executed “200 for 200” and “300 for 300” swaps with the United States and UAE acting as mediators.
Despite ongoing hostilities, Russia and Ukraine have maintained prisoner exchanges alongside the transfer of fallen combatants’ remains. The UAE has consistently served as a key mediator in humanitarian efforts during this period.
