Russia and Ukraine Exchange 205 Prisoners of War Each in Major Swap

Russia and Ukraine on Friday carried out a major prisoner exchange, with both sides releasing 205 prisoners of war each, according to officials in Moscow and Kyiv. The swap is being described as the first phase of a broader agreement aimed at exchanging up to 1,000 captives from both sides.

The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed that 205 Russian servicemen were returned from Ukrainian-controlled territory in exchange for 205 Ukrainian troops. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also confirmed the exchange, saying many of the released Ukrainians had been held in captivity since the early stages of the war in 2022.

According to reports, several of the freed Ukrainian soldiers were captured during fierce battles in Mariupol, Donetsk, Kharkiv, and other frontline regions. Video footage released by Ukrainian authorities showed emotional scenes as returning soldiers embraced fellow servicemen and contacted family members after crossing back into Ukrainian-controlled territory.

Russian authorities said the released Russian soldiers were transferred to Belarus for medical and psychological support before their return home. The United Arab Emirates reportedly played a mediating role in facilitating the exchange, continuing its involvement in previous humanitarian negotiations between the two countries.

The exchange follows recent diplomatic efforts surrounding a temporary ceasefire proposal linked to Russia’s Victory Day commemorations. Although broader peace negotiations remain stalled, prisoner exchanges have remained one of the few areas where both sides continue to cooperate despite the ongoing war.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, now in its fourth year since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, has resulted in thousands of casualties, mass displacement, and repeated international calls for a negotiated settlement.