Russia and Ukraine once again exchanged prisoners of war on Friday. According to officials of both the countries, this time 160-160 prisoners were released from both sides.
The Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement that 160 Russian soldiers were withdrawn from Ukrainian-occupied territory, while 160 Ukrainian prisoners of war were released in exchange. According to the ministry, the returned Russian soldiers are first being given medical and psychological assistance in Belarus. After this he will be sent to Russia for further treatment and care.
UAE played the role of mediator
According to Xinhua news agency, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) played the role of humanitarian aid and mediation in this exchange.
What did the President of Ukraine say?
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that the released Ukrainian soldiers had been in captivity since 2022.
- Zelensky said these included soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, members of the State Special Transport Service, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service.
- Friday’s swap was the 76th prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine since the war began in 2022.
Russian human rights commissioner meets Ukrainian counterpart
Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantrov met with her Ukrainian counterpart Dmitry Lubinets at the Belarus-Ukraine border to continue humanitarian dialogue, according to Russia’s state news agency Tass.
What did the Russian Defense Ministry say?
Russia’s Defense Ministry said the UAE helped bring back Russian troops through humanitarian mediation.
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When did the exchange of prisoners take place?
- After direct talks in Istanbul on May 16, 2025, Russia and Ukraine agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners each. It was the largest prisoner exchange since the war began in 2022.
- Similarly, in January 2024 too, there was an exchange of 195-195 soldiers from both the countries, in which the UAE mediated.