Historic Prisoner Exchange Between Ukraine and Russia

Ukraine and Russia conducted a prisoner of war exchange on Monday, resulting in the return of 189 Ukrainians, including soldiers, sergeants, officers, and two civilians, from Russian captivity. The swap, facilitated by the UAE and other partners, saw Russia release 150 captives as well.

Ukraine and Russia engaged in a new prisoner swap on Monday, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who confirmed the return of 189 Ukrainians from Russian captivity.

Expressing gratitude towards the United Arab Emirates and other facilitating partners, Zelenskiy highlighted the joyous return, underscoring the uplift for the nation. He announced the successful return of soldiers, sergeants, officers, and civilians from the southern port of Mariupol.

The Russian Defence Ministry corroborated the exchange, mentioning it freed 150 prisoners on either end, though discrepancies in numbers remain unexplained. Zelenskiy released images showing repatriated men adorned in Ukraine's blue and yellow flags.

(With inputs from agencies.)