Russia and Ukraine exchange hundreds of prisoners of war
Russia and Ukraine have conducted a prisoner exchange, resulting in the release of hundreds of captives on both sides.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that 189 Ukrainian citizens, including military personnel, border guards, and national guards, along with two civilians, were returned home. He expressed gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for their role in brokering the exchange.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the release of 150 Russian soldiers as part of the swap.
The exchange included the release of Ukrainian defenders of Snake Island, a strategically important location seized by Russia early in the war, as well as soldiers who fought in the fierce battle for the besieged city of Mariupol.
President Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine will continue its efforts to secure the freedom of all Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia. (ILKHA)