Russia and Ukraine have successfully completed a significant prisoner exchange, with 103 soldiers from each side being swapped in a deal mediated by the United Arab Emirates. The exchange was confirmed by the Russian Defense Ministry, which reported the return of 103 Russian servicemen who had been held captive in Ukrainian-controlled territory. In return, 103 Ukrainian soldiers were handed over.
The UN has reported that Ukrainian POWs often face severe mistreatment, including medical neglect and torture, while in captivity. There are also reports of abuse against Russian soldiers, particularly during their capture or transit to detention sites.
This recent exchange follows a similar operation last month when over 100 prisoners from each side were swapped. Ukraine celebrated its third Independence Day since Russia’s full-scale invasion by releasing 115 Ukrainian servicemen, many of whom were conscripts captured in the early stages of the conflict. Notably, nearly 50 of these soldiers were taken during the siege of the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol.
The Russian Defense Ministry noted that the 115 released Russian soldiers were captured in the Kursk region, which had recently been the site of a Ukrainian offensive. These soldiers are currently in Belarus but are set to return to Russia for medical care and rehabilitation.