Moscow released 230 Ukrainians, while Kiev released 248 Russian soldiers in the biggest prisoner exchange in nearly two years of war.
"After complex negotiations, the Ukrainian authorities released 248 Russian servicemen on January 3. This operation took place thanks to the humanitarian mediation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)," the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.
Russian soldiers during the prisoner exchange on January 3. Video: RIA Novosti
Ukrainian officials also announced the reception of 230 citizens, including 224 soldiers and six civilians, in the largest prisoner exchange since the outbreak of hostilities. Kyrolo Budanov, head of the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Directorate, said the UAE played a direct role in the "very difficult prisoner exchange".
The UAE Foreign Ministry confirmed its role as mediator, stressing that the prisoner exchange was made possible thanks to “strong friendly relations” with both Russia and Ukraine, and proposed further humanitarian efforts and a peaceful solution to the conflict.
The two sides have released hundreds of prisoners in multiple exchanges, despite long-stalled bilateral negotiations to end hostilities. The frequency of prisoner exchanges has slowed sharply in the past year, with the last such exchange being in August 2023.
Ukrainian prisoners of war return after being released by Russia on January 3. Photo; Reuters
The previous largest prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine took place in September 2022, with a total of nearly 300 people on both sides being freed.
In that exchange, Russia agreed to release 215 Ukrainian soldiers, most of whom were captured after the fall of Mariupol, including five commanders of the Azov Battalion. Moscow took back 55, including Viktor Medvedchuk, a Ukrainian oligarch with a pro-Russian stance.
Vu Anh (According to Reuters, RIA Novosti )
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