Russia and Ukraine swap 206 prisoners in UAE-mediated deal
- Russia and Ukraine exchanged 103 prisoners of war from each side, facilitated by the UAE.
- The freed Ukrainians included various ranks from the Armed Forces, National Guard, and police.
- This exchange is part of ongoing efforts to return captives despite the absence of peace talks.
On Saturday, Russia and Ukraine confirmed the exchange of 206 prisoners of war, with each side receiving 103 captives. This exchange was facilitated by the United Arab Emirates, marking the eighth mediation effort by the Gulf nation in such deals. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the return of 103 Ukrainian soldiers, which included a mix of privates, sergeants, and officers from various military and law enforcement branches. The Russian Ministry of Defence reported that the exchanged Russian servicemen had been captured during a recent incursion into the Kursk region by Ukrainian forces. The recent prisoner swap follows a similar exchange in August, where both countries also traded 115 POWs each. Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, both nations have engaged in periodic prisoner swaps, despite the lack of ongoing peace negotiations. The UAE's involvement has been crucial in facilitating these exchanges, which have now totaled 1,994 captives returned through its mediation efforts. The situation remains tense, as the conflict continues to evolve with military actions on both sides. The successful exchange of prisoners is seen as a significant humanitarian gesture amidst the ongoing hostilities. It highlights the complexities of the conflict, where both nations are still engaged in military operations while also seeking to address the welfare of their captured soldiers. As the war progresses, the importance of such exchanges may grow, providing a glimmer of hope for families of the POWs and emphasizing the need for dialogue and resolution in the broader context of the conflict.