Ukraine-Russia swap frees hundreds of captives
In a significant prisoner swap facilitated by the United Arab Emirates, Ukraine and Russia exchanged prisoners of war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced the return of 189 Ukrainians, while Russian authorities reported releasing 150 prisoners from each side, with no immediate explanation for the discrepancy in numbers.
Among the freed Ukrainians were soldiers, sergeants, officers, and two civilians who had been captured in various locations, including Mariupol, the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, and Snake Island. Denys Prokopenko, commander of Ukraine's 12th Special Forces Azov Brigade, confirmed that 11 of his brigade members were among those released.
Emotional reunions took place in northern Ukraine, where families waited anxiously for their loved ones. Alina, whose husband Oleksandr was captured during the defense of Mariupol in 2022, expressed her overwhelming emotions while waiting for the reunion. Released prisoners Anatoliy and Ihor shared their joy and gratitude upon returning to their homeland.
The Russian defense ministry reported that their freed soldiers were transported to Belarus, where they received medical care and could contact their families. Russian human rights commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova shared video footage of the released soldiers gathered in front of coaches.
This marked the 59th prisoner exchange since the full-scale invasion began, though Ukrainian officials noted that negotiations have become more challenging as Russian forces make battlefield advances. While this exchange brings relief to many families, an estimated 8,000 Ukrainians remain in captivity in Russia and occupied territories.
Zelenskiy expressed gratitude to the UAE and other partners for their role in facilitating the exchange, emphasizing Ukraine's commitment to securing the release of all remaining prisoners. Many of the returned Ukrainian prisoners had spent over two and a half years in captivity, with some returning with serious health conditions.
