Prisoner Swap Between Russia and Ukraine

In a significant development in the ongoing conflict, Ukraine and Russia executed a prisoner swap on Saturday, exchanging 115 prisoners of war from each side. This exchange, facilitated by the United Arab Emirates, marks the first since Ukraine initiated an offensive in the Kursk region earlier this month. Among the returned Ukrainian soldiers were 82 who had defended Mariupol, while the Russian detainees were captured during the recent cross-border operations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the return of the soldiers, emphasizing their roles in various military branches, including the National Guard and the Navy. He expressed gratitude to the UAE for mediating the swap and reiterated Ukraine's commitment to securing the release of all its military personnel and civilians held by Russia. The prisoner exchange coincides with Ukraine's strategic objectives in the Kursk region, which include capturing Russian soldiers for future trades. As the prisoner swap unfolded, Ukraine reported a separate attack on a Russian ammunition depot in Voronezh and noted casualties from a Russian strike in Kostyantynivka. The ongoing violence underscores the conflict's toll, with Zelenskyy recalling past tragedies, including a deadly rocket attack on Ukraine's Independence Day two years ago. In a show of international support, Polish President Andrzej Duda visited Kyiv, reinforcing Poland's commitment to Ukraine as the war continues into its third year. Zelenskyy described the offensive into Russian territory as a form of "justice," asserting Ukraine's determination to end the conflict through diplomatic means while highlighting the stark realities of the war.