Russia and Ukraine Exchange Over 300 Prisoners of War... UAE Mediation

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged more than 300 prisoners of war through mediation by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to reports by The New York Times (NYT) and others on the 30th (local time).

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated in a Telegram announcement that both sides returned 150 prisoners each. The Ministry said, "Russian prisoners were released on Belarusian territory and are scheduled to be transported to Russia."

Released Ukrainian prisoners of war. Photo by AP Yonhap News

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Telegram that 189 Ukrainians were successfully repatriated. He emphasized, "We are working to free everyone from Russian captivity. This is our goal. We do not forget anyone."

Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatiana Moskalkova shared a video on Telegram showing soldiers in uniform gathered around a bus. She said, "Soon our soldiers will meet their relatives and friends and celebrate the New Year in their homeland."

This prisoner exchange marks the 11th such event this year. The exact number of prisoners currently held by the opposing side has not been precisely counted. The Ukrainian government stated that 3,956 of its prisoners have been released from Russia since the start of the war.