Russia and Ukraine exchanged 160 prisoners of war each on Friday in the latest humanitarian swap since the conflict began in 2022. The United Arab Emirates mediated the exchange, according to Russia’s Defense Ministry.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the release of 160 Ukrainian service members in a post on X. He said the government remained committed to bringing every captive Ukrainian home.
Zelensky stated that all the released soldiers had been held in Russian captivity since 2022. He also shared photographs showing the returning troops wrapped in Ukrainian flags while embracing fellow servicemen.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed the exchange and said it had received 160 Russian prisoners of war. The ministry described the operation as another successful humanitarian exchange.
According to the ministry, the released Russian soldiers are currently in Belarus. Authorities said they will receive medical examinations, psychological support and necessary treatment before returning to Russia.
The Russian statement credited the United Arab Emirates with mediating the prisoner exchange. The Gulf country has played an active diplomatic role in facilitating several previous swaps between Moscow and Kyiv.
Prisoner exchanges remain one of the few areas where Russia and Ukraine continue limited cooperation. Despite ongoing fighting, both sides have repeatedly negotiated the return of captured troops.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the two countries have conducted numerous prisoner exchanges. They have also coordinated the repatriation of the remains of fallen soldiers.
Although diplomatic relations remain strained, humanitarian negotiations have continued through international mediation. These exchanges have enabled hundreds of prisoners to return to their families during the prolonged conflict.
Friday’s swap marks another effort to ease the humanitarian impact of the war. However, both countries continue military operations while broader peace negotiations remain stalled.
