Russia and Ukraine Exchange Hundreds of Prisoners in Diplomatic

_{Photo: Russian Defense Ministry/Handout/Reuters}

In a significant diplomatic development, Russia and Ukraine swapped hundreds of prisoners on Thursday. The exchange involved 100 Russian service members and an equal number from the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF), mediated by the United Arab Emirates. The Russian Ministry of Defence announced the negotiations, highlighting the involvement of the UAE in facilitating the process.

As part of the agreement, the freed Russian servicemen were set to return via the Russian Air Force, receiving comprehensive medical and psychological assistance upon their arrival. Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War (KSHPPV) reported the release of 49 soldiers, 25 border guards, and several servicemen from territorial defense forces. Notably, the group comprised individuals aged between 20 and 62, all privates and sergeants.

KSHPPV specified that 84 of the released soldiers had defended Mariupol, including 82 from Azovstal, while the remainder had undertaken combat missions in the Donetsk and Luhansk sectors.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky affirmed the return of the released prisoners, expressing commitment to their well-being. However, CNN cannot independently verify the claims made by either side.

This development follows a similar exchange last week, labeled by the Ukrainian government as the 'second major exchange after a long break.' The exchange coincided with the mysterious crash of a Russian IL-76 plane in Russia's Belgorod region on January 24. Moscow asserted the plane transported Ukrainian prisoners of war, while Kyiv claimed it carried Russian missiles for strikes on Ukraine.

Zelensky disclosed the return of 207 Ukrainian service members on Wednesday, while the Russian Defense Ministry reported the reception of 195 Russian military personnel. The exchanges mark crucial diplomatic efforts, emphasizing the complex dynamics surrounding conflicts in the region