Russia and Ukraine Complete Largest Prisoner Swap with 307 POWs Exchanged on Each Side

Report by Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

In a significant humanitarian gesture, Russia and Ukraine carried out a major prisoner exchange on Saturday, with each side releasing 307 prisoners of war (POWs). This event marks the largest swap since the conflict began over three years ago.

According to the Russian Defence Ministry, 307 Russian service members were released from Ukrainian-controlled territory and safely returned to Russia. In return, an equal number of Ukrainian POWs were handed over to Kyiv authorities.

“This operation brought home 307 of our military personnel from areas under the control of the Kyiv regime,” the ministry confirmed in an official statement. “A reciprocal number of Ukrainian captives were returned as part of this agreement.”

This swap is part of a two-day exchange effort that began on Friday, making it the most extensive POW operation in the history of the ongoing war. It follows a series of smaller exchanges held sporadically since the outbreak of hostilities in 2022.

Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War also verified the swap through official communication channels. Although specific names and details of the individuals involved have not been disclosed, the exchange was welcomed as a positive step in reducing the humanitarian toll of the war.

International observers have lauded the exchange, urging both nations to build upon this cooperation and continue to uphold international humanitarian standards. Human rights groups have long called for transparent and humane treatment of detainees by both parties.

As the war persists across multiple frontlines, the successful execution of such a large-scale exchange demonstrates that diplomatic efforts remain possible, even amid ongoing military operations.