Russia and Ukraine have exchanged 205 prisoners of war each in a new swap that highlights ongoing behind-the-scenes negotiations despite the war between the two countries.
The Russian Defence Ministry announced on Tuesday that 205 of its servicemen had been returned from territories controlled by Kyiv following a complex negotiation process. According to the ministry, the released soldiers will be flown to Moscow for medical checks and rehabilitation.
On the Ukrainian side, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the exchange, noting that the 205 Ukrainians freed included soldiers from various branches of the armed forces. He said the returned personnel would also undergo medical evaluations and receive support as they reintegrate.
Zelensky expressed gratitude to everyone involved in securing the release, particularly the Ukrainian coordination team responsible for prisoner exchanges. He emphasised that Ukraine continues to work tirelessly to bring home all of its defenders who remain in Russian captivity.
This latest swap comes amid continued hostilities in the nearly two-and-a-half-year-long war, which began when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Despite the ongoing conflict, both sides have managed to organise multiple prisoner exchanges, often with mediation from third-party countries or organisations.
The repeated swaps are seen as one of the few areas where limited cooperation between the warring nations is still possible, offering hope to families waiting for the safe return of their loved ones.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
