Russia and Ukraine Exchange 206 Prisoners in UAE-Brokered Deal
Russia and Ukraine have exchanged 206 prisoners of war in a deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates. The swap included 103 prisoners from each side and marks a rare moment of cooperation amid ongoing conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian officials confirmed the exchange, highlighting ongoing efforts to negotiate prisoner swaps despite ongoing hostilities.
On Saturday, Russia and Ukraine exchanged 103 prisoners of war each in a deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This swap marks a rare moment of coordination between the two warring nations.
The Russian prisoners were captured during Ukraine's incursion into the Kursk region, while some of the Ukrainian individuals had been held since the seizure of the Azovstal steel plant in May 2022.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that 82 privates and sergeants, along with 21 officers, were among those freed.
The Russians confirmed that their 103 servicemen were now receiving medical and psychological assistance in Belarus.
This deal follows a similar exchange three weeks ago, also mediated by the UAE.
Despite ongoing hostilities, both countries continue to engage in prisoner swaps, often facilitated by the UAE, Saudi Arabia, or Turkey.
The UAE's foreign ministry praised the deal as a success.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to advance in eastern Ukraine, capturing villages near the strategic hub Pokrovsk.
Tensions between Russia and Western nations remain high, particularly over the potential supply of long-range weapons to Ukraine.