On Saturday, a significant prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine took place, with 206 prisoners swapped, marking the second such event in two days. This exchange was facilitated through negotiations led by the United Arab Emirates, according to officials.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy noted that the 103 Ukrainians returned included 82 soldiers and privates, along with 21 officers, all of whom were military personnel.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that their 103 soldiers, captured in the Kursk region during a recent Ukrainian surprise attack in August, were also part of the exchange.
President Zelenskiy expressed relief on the Telegram messaging app, stating, “Our people are home. We have successfully brought back another 103 warriors from Russian captivity to Ukraine.” He also shared images of the returned servicemen celebrating their return, draped in Ukraine’s national flags, and taking part in group photos at an undisclosed location.
The UAE’s role as mediator was confirmed by the Emirati state news agency WAM, marking its eighth mediation since early 2024.
The context of these swaps dates back to the onset of Russia’s invasion in February 2022, with Kyiv and Moscow regularly exchanging prisoners. This latest swap is part of a series following a Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk region that began in early August.
Ukrainian officials have stated that their forces captured at least 600 Russian soldiers during this incursion, aiding in negotiations for the return of Ukrainian prisoners.
Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s ombudsman, highlighted that many of the Ukrainians released had been held since the invasion began. He posted a video on Telegram showing the freed servicemen celebrating, chanting “Glory to Ukraine.”
Lubinets also mentioned that to date, Ukraine has managed to secure the release of 3,672 of its citizens through 57 different prisoner exchanges.
