Russia and Ukraine Exchange Prisoners Amid Ongoing Conflict

Russia and Ukraine exchanged over 100 prisoners of war each, marking Ukraine's third Independence Day since the invasion. The swap, brokered by the UAE, included conscripts taken early in the conflict. Reports highlight severe mistreatment of POWs, and drone attacks continue to exacerbate the tensions. Ukrainian and Polish leaders commemorated Ukraine's Independence Day.

Russia and Ukraine exchanged over 100 prisoners of war each on Saturday as Kyiv marked its third Independence Day since Moscow's full-scale invasion began.

Ukraine reported that 115 Ukrainian servicemen were freed, including conscripts captured in the early months of the conflict. Nearly 50 soldiers from the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol were among those released.

The Russian Defence Ministry stated that 115 Russian soldiers captured in the Kursk region were exchanged. These soldiers are currently in Belarus for medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on X that the United Arab Emirates had brokered the exchange, a recurrent role since the invasion started in February 2022.

Both Ukraine and Russia continue their exchanges of prisoners and the dead after lengthy negotiations. Neither side discloses the total number of POWs.

The UN reports that many Ukrainian POWs face severe mistreatment and torture, with isolated reports of abuse of Russian soldiers during capture or transit.

Drone and artillery attacks persist, causing fatalities and injuries in regions like Kostiantynivka, Kherson, and Sumy. Ukraine's air force intercepted seven drones, while Russian air defences shot down drones in Kursk, Voronezh, Bryansk, and Belgorod.

Ukraine marked its 33rd Independence Day with commemorations, announcing the first successful use of a new domestically produced missile drone, Palyanitsa.

Polish President Andrzej Duda visited Kyiv, symbolizing continued support for Ukraine, despite past conflicts and a recent trade dispute.

(With inputs from agencies.)