Russia and Ukraine have conducted a prisoner exchange involving 150 soldiers from each side, facilitated by the United Arab Emirates.
On December 30, the Russian defense ministry announced that, following negotiations, 150 Russian servicemen were returned from areas under the control of the Ukrainian government. In exchange, 150 Ukrainian soldiers held as prisoners of war were released.
Since the onset of Russia’s military operations in Ukraine in February 2022, both nations have engaged in multiple exchanges of captured personnel, marking one of the few instances of cooperation between them. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Kyiv received a total of 189 individuals in this exchange, which included soldiers, border guards, and two civilians from the Russian-occupied city of Mariupol.
Efforts are underway to liberate all individuals held in Russian captivity, as emphasized by Zelenskyy, who stated, “This is our goal. We do not forget anyone,” according to AFP.
On Monday, Ukraine reported that Moscow had released a total of 3,956 individuals, comprising both soldiers and civilians, in agreements with Kyiv since the onset of the conflict.
The most recent exchange was facilitated by the United Arab Emirates, as confirmed by both parties.
A video shared by Tatyana Moskalkova, Russia’s human rights commissioner, depicted soldiers assembled outside buses, dressed in winter attire and military uniforms.
Moskalkova expressed her gratitude, stating, “I thank you for your service, patience and courage,” and extended her wishes for a joyful New Year’s holiday.
In a Telegram message accompanying the video, she noted, “Very soon our guys will embrace their relatives and friends and celebrate the New Year in their native land.”
Zelenskyy also shared images of some of the exchanged individuals seated on a coach, proudly displaying yellow-and-blue Ukrainian flags.
