Russia and Ukraine exchanged prisoners of war according to the “75 to 75” formula. This was reported by the Russian Ministry of Defense and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky.
According to Zelensky, military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, members of the National Guard, border guards and four civilians were returned to Ukraine. “We remember everyone. We are making every effort to find each and every one,” the President of Ukraine wrote.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that military personnel returning from captivity will be taken to Moscow for treatment and rehabilitation. According to the department, the United Arab Emirates acted as an intermediary in the exchange.
The previous exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine took place in early February. Then the countries returned 100 people each through the mediation of the UAE.
On May 29, Russian Commissioner for Human Rights Tatyana Moskalkova said that the exchange of prisoners between Moscow and Kiev had been stopped for several months “because of Ukraine, which constantly puts forward new far-fetched demands.” The office of the Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmitry Lubinets responded to this that exchanges are not taking place “because Russia does not want this.”