Russia and Ukraine exchange 314 prisoners through Emirati mediation after a pause
Russia and Ukraine announced on Thursday the completion of a large-scale prisoner exchange, which included the release of 157 prisoners from each side, in a move that is the first of its kind since last October, thus breaking a four-month stalemate in the humanitarian exchange file between the two sides of the conflict.
Details of the deal and the Emirati mediation
This breakthrough comes as a direct result of intensive talks held in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, reflecting the growing role of diplomacy in finding humanitarian pathways amid the ferocity of the fighting. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the recovery of 157 captured servicemen, the same number of soldiers and civilians that Kyiv has recovered.
This operation is of particular importance given its timing, as it comes amid a continuing military escalation on the fronts, proving that indirect communication channels are still open with regard to urgent humanitarian issues, thus reviving hopes among the families of thousands of prisoners who are still in detention.
Zelensky reveals the identity of the returnees
Commenting on the event, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed via social media the return of 157 Ukrainians to their homes. He explained that the list included members of the regular army, the National Guard, and the border guard, as well as a number of civilians. Zelenskyy noted that the majority of those released had been held captive since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2002, praising their resilience throughout this period.
For his part, the director of the Ukrainian presidential office, Kirill Budanov, revealed precise details regarding the situation of the released prisoners, explaining that 19 of them had received harsh sentences from Russian courts, including 15 prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment, making their release a major negotiating achievement for Kyiv.
The importance of the "exchange fund"
The Ukrainian president stressed the need to continue prisoner exchanges, expressing his gratitude to the Ukrainian forces fighting on the front lines. He emphasized that the soldiers' bravery in capturing Russian troops is what fills the "exchange pool," giving Ukraine strong leverage in negotiations for the return of its citizens. Zelenskyy stated, "Without the determination of our soldiers, such exchanges would not be possible; every achievement of our units contributes to maintaining our ability to bring Ukrainians back from Russia.".
It is worth noting that the issue of prisoners is one of the most complex issues in the Russian-Ukrainian war, as Kyiv and Moscow constantly exchange accusations about the conditions of detention and the trials that are being conducted for prisoners. However, international mediations, especially those led by the United Arab Emirates, have repeatedly succeeded in making significant humanitarian breakthroughs in the crisis.
