Russia and Ukraine Exchange Over 300 POWs in New Year’s Deal Mediated by UAE
Russia and Ukraine have swapped more than 300 prisoners of war (POWs) in a New Year’s Eve exchange facilitated by the United Arab Emirates, according to officials from both countries.
The Russian Ministry of Defence reported the release of 150 Ukrainian prisoners, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that 189 Ukrainians had been freed. The reason for the discrepancy in the figures remains unclear.
Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude on Telegram, saying the return of 189 Ukrainians was a positive step and included two civilians captured in Mariupol in 2022. He thanked the UAE for mediating the exchange.
In images shared by Zelenskyy, several freed POWs were seen aboard a bus, some wrapped in Ukraine’s national flag. Russian officials also sent their well wishes to the released prisoners, who were expected to reunite with their families and celebrate the New Year at home.
The Russian Ministry of Defence added that those freed were given psychological and medical assistance in Belarus, an ally of Moscow, before returning to their homeland.
Since the conflict began in February 2022, there have been 60 prisoner exchanges, with the most recent swap occurring in mid-October, where both sides exchanged 95 POWs. Ukraine announced that Russia had released 3,956 individuals, including soldiers and civilians, through such agreements. Zelenskyy emphasized that efforts to secure the release of remaining POWs would continue.
This prisoner exchange came shortly after US President Joe Biden announced nearly $2.5 billion in additional military aid to Ukraine, as the US government works to expedite assistance before the end of the current administration.
