Significant Prisoner Exchange Takes Place Between Ukraine and Russia in Largest Operation Since War Began
In a significant move, Ukraine and Russia have successfully conducted their largest-ever prisoner exchange since the war began in Feb 2022, with over 200 prisoners of war being released
Ukraine and Russia have completed a historic exchange of over 200 prisoners of war, marking the largest swap between the two countries since the start of the conflict in February 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared the news in a social media post on Wednesday, celebrating the return of more than 200 Ukrainian soldiers and civilians from Russian custody.
The KSHPPV of Ukraine called the exchange the "biggest swap of prisoners of war since the full-scale invasion began." The group includes seven soldiers who bravely defended Snake Island, a symbol of Ukrainian resistance, from a Russian takeover in February 2022.
Soldiers who protected Mariupol and its Azovstal steel plant during the siege were part of a recent prisoner exchange, as confirmed by Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine. Yermak described the exchange as challenging after a prolonged break, and mentioned that the last significant exchange took place in August 2023. He also stated his commitment to continue working towards the release of all detained Ukrainians.
Russia announced that 248 Russian servicemen have been repatriated from Ukrainian controlled territory. The Russian defense ministry attributed the successful exchange to the "humanitarian intervention" of the United Arab Emirates in a Telegram post. The ministry also promised to offer the returned servicemen with "essential medical and psychological support" and assured that they will be receiving treatment at medical facilities operated by the ministry.
