Ukraine and Russia Exchange 95 Prisoners of War in Latest Swap

Ukraine and Russia exchanged 95 prisoners of war each, with UAE brokering the deal. This was the 54th swap since February 2022, with more than 3,400 Ukrainians and numerous Russian soldiers exchanged so far. Conditions for POWs have often included neglect and mistreatment, according to the UN.

Ukraine and Russia conducted a prisoner exchange on Wednesday, each releasing 95 prisoners of war (POWs), officials from both countries confirmed. This event marked the 54th exchange since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Russian Defence Ministry both announced the swap, which was brokered by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Photos shared by Zelenskyy depicted Ukrainian servicemen draped in their national flags, many appearing gaunt and having spent over two years in captivity.

The Coordination Headquarters for POWs in Ukraine reported that among those released were individuals captured during early offensives and battles in regions like Mariupol and Luhansk. To date, over 3,400 people have returned from Russian captivity since the war started.

The released Russian soldiers are expected to be flown to Moscow for medical treatment and rehabilitation. Reports from the United Nations indicate that Ukrainian POWs often suffer severe and systematic mistreatment, including medical neglect and torture, while similar, though less frequent, abuses have been reported against Russian soldiers.

(With inputs from agencies.)