Russia and Ukraine conducted a major exchange of prisoners of war. This was reported by the Russian Ministry of Defense and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky.
The Russian ministry said in a statement that the exchange took place through the mediation of the United Arab Emirates in the “195 to 195” format. “195 Russian servicemen who faced mortal danger in captivity have been returned. In exchange, exactly 195 prisoners of war of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were transferred,” the publication clarifies.
At the same time, Zelensky writes about the return of 207 people. “Ours are at home. 207 guys. We return it no matter what. We remember each and everyone in captivity. Warriors and civilians. We must bring everyone back. We are working on this,” the President of Ukraine wrote in his Telegram channel.
Russia and Ukraine held the first major exchange since August 2023 on January 3, when more than 200 people from each side were released from captivity. Later, on January 24, another prisoner exchange was supposed to take place, but it was canceled due to the crash of an IL-76 military aircraft near Belgorod. Then the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that there were 65 captured Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers on board who were being prepared for exchange.