Russia and Ukraine Complete Major POW Exchange with 205 Soldiers Freed on Each Side

Report by Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

In a significant development amid ongoing hostilities, Russia and Ukraine have exchanged 205 prisoners of war each, marking their fifth official swap this year.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the agreement was achieved through negotiations and with the diplomatic assistance of the United Arab Emirates. The freed Russian troops have been relocated to Belarus, where they are undergoing thorough medical and psychological evaluations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the release of 205 Ukrainian soldiers, describing them as heroes from various military branches, including those who bravely defended Mariupol and other front-line positions. He shared heartfelt images of the soldiers wrapped in Ukrainian flags, symbolizing their return to freedom and national pride.

Zelensky highlighted the harsh treatment the prisoners endured while in Russian captivity, stating they had been scattered across numerous detention facilities designed to inflict suffering and strip them of their dignity. Despite these conditions, he said, their spirit remained unbroken.

Since the outbreak of full-scale war in February 2022, Ukraine and Russia have conducted numerous prisoner exchanges, often with international mediation. This latest swap demonstrates ongoing humanitarian efforts amidst the ongoing conflict.