In a recent prisoner swap, Russia and Ukraine have each released 90 prisoners of war, as reported on Tuesday by the Russian Defence Ministry. The ministry disclosed the information via the Telegram messaging platform, crediting the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for facilitating the return of the Russian prisoners.
Following negotiations, 90 Russian prisoners of war, who faced potential peril while captive, were able to return from regions controlled by Kyiv. Conversely, a similar number of Ukrainian military prisoners were released in a reciprocal move.
The ministry acknowledges the participation of the United Arab Emirates as a mediator with a humanitarian role, enabling the return of the Russian prisoners to their homeland. Upon arrival in Moscow, these freed individuals are due to receive medical assessments.
This prisoner exchange is one of many that have occurred during Russia and Ukraine’s conflict, which has spanned over 28 months. The most recent prior swap happened on the 31st of May, during which 75 prisoners from each side were released, with the UAE once again acting in a mediating capacity. The exchange was the first of its kind in nearly four months, as reported by Reuters.