Russia and Ukraine carried out a simultaneous prisoner swap on Tuesday, each side releasing 205 detainees in a carefully coordinated exchange brokered by the United Arab Emirates, according to official statements from both countries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the return of the Ukrainian captives on his Telegram channel, writing, “Today, Ukraine has brought back 205 warriors,” and extended gratitude to the UAE for its role in facilitating the exchange.
Russia’s human rights ombudsman, Tatiana Moskalkova, also confirmed the swap and expressed appreciation to Russia’s defence ministry and other state agencies involved. “For many families, today has become a celebration of reunification — anxiety and uncertainty have given way to the joy of a loved one returning home,” she said.
Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said the group returned included 202 enlisted personnel and three officers from across the Ukrainian Armed Forces and National Guard.
Tuesday’s operation marks the fifth prisoner exchange between the two countries in 2025 and the 64th such swap since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine over three years ago.
Follow us on:
