Russia and Ukraine Conduct Major Prisoner Swap Brokered by UAE

In a significant development, Russia and Ukraine have exchanged hundreds of prisoners of war in a deal mediated by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This marks the 59th and one of the largest prisoner swaps since the conflict escalated in February 2022.

The Russian defense ministry reported that 150 Ukrainian soldiers were exchanged for an equal number of Russian troops. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that 189 Ukrainians had returned home, including defenders of key sites such as Azovstal, Mariupol, the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, and Snake Island.

Among the Ukrainians released were soldiers, border guards, National Guardsmen, and Navy personnel, many of whom had endured over two-and-a-half years in captivity. Some returned with severe injuries and illnesses.

On the Russian side, the defense ministry stated that the released soldiers had been transported to Belarus, where they received medical attention and contacted their families.

In northern Ukraine, families braved the harsh winter cold outside hospitals, awaiting the return of their loved ones.

Photos shared by Zelensky on social media showed the released Ukrainian soldiers holding yellow-and-blue flags, a symbol of hope amid ongoing turmoil.

While this swap has brought relief to many families, thousands of Ukrainians remain in captivity in Russia and Russian-occupied territories. Ukrainian officials estimate that over 8,000 of their citizens are still held as prisoners of war.

Negotiations for further exchanges have become increasingly challenging as Russian forces gain ground on the battlefield. Despite the obstacles, Zelensky reaffirmed his commitment: “We are working to free everyone from Russian captivity. This is our goal. We do not forget anyone.”