Russia and Ukraine have completed a prisoner swap, each side returning 175 detainees, the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed on Wednesday. In addition to the prisoners, 22 seriously wounded Ukrainian soldiers were transferred for urgent medical treatment, described by Russia as a “gesture of goodwill.”
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) facilitated the exchange, playing a key role in mediating the return of Russian service members. However, the swap did not include arrested OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) officials, who remain in custody, these is contrary to expectations and it is hope the situation would be resolved speedily and their release effected.
This exchange highlights ongoing humanitarian efforts amid the conflict, though it underscores the complexity of resolving broader diplomatic challenges.
Source: Russian Defense Ministry
Ukrainian prisoners greeted by relatives and military personnel (EPA Images pic) Via FMT
