Russia and Ukraine Exchange 175 Prisoners of War Each, Moscow Confirms

Russia and Ukraine have completed a prisoner exchange, with each side releasing 175 servicemen, Russia’s Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday.

The exchange, facilitated through high-level diplomatic negotiations, was finalized following a telephone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a statement from Moscow.

In addition to the agreed swap, Russia released 22 severely wounded Ukrainian prisoners who require urgent medical treatment. The move was described as a humanitarian gesture, demonstrating Moscow’s commitment to international humanitarian law.

Meanwhile, Russian soldiers freed in the exchange have been transported to Belarus, where they are awaiting repatriation to Russia.

The exchange marks another step in ongoing diplomatic negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow, aimed at facilitating humanitarian relief and reducing tensions amid the prolonged war. Previous prisoner swaps have involved hundreds of detainees, highlighting the complexity and intensity of negotiations between the two nations.

Despite the exchange, the conflict remains unresolved, with both sides continuing military operations while international mediators work toward a long-term ceasefire.