Ukraine and Russia swap 160 prisoners each in mediated exchange
Ukraine and Russia conducted a prisoner exchange on Friday, returning 160 Ukrainian service members to Kyiv after four years in Russian captivity, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced. The released troops were among the first captured during Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, marking one of the largest exchanges since the conflict began. Russia confirmed the swap, stating that 160 prisoners were freed from each side, with the United Arab Emirates mediating the deal .
Zelensky emphasized the human cost of the war, saying in a statement, “We remember everyone who is in captivity,” and noting that all those released had been held since 2022 . Ukrainian media shared photographs of the returning soldiers, some of whom had been held at notorious detention sites, including the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, a symbol of fierce resistance during the early months of the invasion .
The exchange comes amid ongoing international efforts to address the humanitarian toll of the war, now in its fifth year. While the exact locations of the swap remain undisclosed, the involvement of the UAE highlights the role of third-party mediators in facilitating such agreements. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly called for the release of all remaining prisoners, estimated to number in the thousands, though Moscow has not indicated further exchanges are imminent.
The announcement follows a week of heightened diplomatic activity, including reports of a controversial life sentence handed to a senior Ukrainian intelligence officer accused of spying for Russia . Meanwhile, Russian authorities continue to face scrutiny over alleged abuses in Ukraine, including a viral video alleging torture by Russian commanders, which the Kremlin has pledged to investigate .
For the families of the released soldiers, Friday’s news offers a rare moment of relief. Many of the returnees are expected to undergo medical and psychological evaluations before reuniting with loved ones. Ukraine’s Defense Ministry has yet to provide a full list of names, citing operational security. The exchange, while significant, underscores the enduring scale of the war’s human toll and the slow pace of progress toward a broader resolution.
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