Emotional Return: Ukraine and Russia Conduct Poignant Prisoner Exchange

Ukraine and Russia engaged in a new prisoner exchange, with Ukraine welcoming home 189 former captives while Russia received 150 servicemen. This 59th swap saw Ukrainians, including civilians from Mariupol, return. The exchange facilitated by the UAE brings emotional reunions, highlighting the ongoing war's personal toll.

In a poignant exchange on Monday, Ukraine and Russia swapped prisoners of war, with Ukraine receiving 189 former captives, according to statements from President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Russia's Defence Ministry. The swap, facilitated by the United Arab Emirates, underscores ongoing efforts to manage the human impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The Russian Defence Ministry reported that 150 Russian servicemen were released in Belarus, a measure swiftly followed by their transfer to Russia. Images on Zelenskiy's Telegram channel captured emotional reunions in Ukraine, with servicemen cradling national flags and embracing family members, underscoring the toll of the 34-month-long war.

Despite the discrepancy in numbers, with Ukraine receiving more captives, the release included civilians taken during Russia's siege of Mariupol. This event marks the 59th prisoner swap since the war began in February 2022, raising the number of Ukrainians returned to 3,956. Such exchanges reveal the deep emotional and personal connections amid geopolitical tensions.

(With inputs from agencies.)