Ukraine and Russia conduct prisoner of war exchange, 95 Ukrainians returned

Ukraine completed a new prisoner of war exchange with Russia, returning 95 Ukrainian soldiers and civilians who had been held in Russian captivity. The exchange was mediated by the United Arab Emirates, which has played an active role in facilitating such swaps throughout the conflict.

The exchange

Among those returned were soldiers who had been captured during the early stages of the war, as well as more recently captured fighters. Ukrainian officials confirmed the identities of all returned individuals. Some were in need of medical treatment after their time in captivity.

Ongoing exchanges

Ukraine has now conducted over 50 prisoner exchanges since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. President Zelensky thanked the UAE for its mediation role and called for continued efforts to free all remaining Ukrainian prisoners held by Russia.