Russia and Ukraine Exchange Hundreds of Prisoners in Landmark Deal Brokered by UAE

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

In a significant development amidst the ongoing conflict, Russia and Ukraine have exchanged hundreds of prisoners of war in a deal facilitated by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Russian defence ministry confirmed the exchange, which involved 150 Ukrainian soldiers being released in return for an equal number of Russian troops. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later announced that 189 Ukrainians had been freed.

Among those released were key Ukrainian defenders, including those from Azovstal and Mariupol, as well as the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and Snake Island. The return of these prisoners marks a bittersweet reunion for many families, who had been anxiously waiting for news.

At a location in northern Ukraine, the BBC was present as the freed Ukrainians were reunited with their loved ones. Alina, who had been waiting for her husband Oleksandr, captured while defending Mariupol in 2022, expressed her overwhelming emotions. "I have so many emotions," she said through tears. "It's been so difficult. I just want to see him."

Released prisoner Anatoliy, captured in Mariupol in 2022, also shared his emotions, saying, "Thank God this day has come. We're home. Now we're going to support Ukraine with everything we've got." Another released prisoner, Ihor, expressed his joy at returning to his homeland, stating, "I'm very happy to return to my own country, to my own land. I have no words to say what I feel now."

The Russian defence ministry reported that the newly released Russian troops are currently in Belarus, receiving medical assistance and the opportunity to contact their families. Russian rights commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova posted a video showing soldiers gathered in military and winter clothing, and shared a message stating that soon, the soldiers would reunite with their families and celebrate the New Year on their native land.

This prisoner swap, the 59th since the conflict began, is one of the largest to date. On the Ukrainian side, those released included soldiers, border guards, National Guardsmen, and Navy servicemen, some of whom had been in captivity for over two years. Many of the returning prisoners are reported to have suffered serious illnesses and injuries during their time in captivity.

For many families, the uncertainty of their loved ones’ fate has finally ended, but thousands more Ukrainians remain imprisoned in Russia and occupied regions. While the precise number of prisoners held by Russia is not disclosed, Ukrainian officials estimate the number to be over 8,000.

Denys Prokopenko, commander of Ukraine's 12th Special Forces Azov Brigade that had defended the Azovstal steel plant, confirmed that 11 members of his brigade were among those released. Zelensky also shared that two civilians captured in Mariupol were part of the swap, reiterating Ukraine's commitment to freeing all prisoners from Russian captivity. "We do not forget anyone," he said, sharing photos of some of the freed soldiers holding Ukrainian flags.

The release of these prisoners comes after months of difficult negotiations, particularly as Russian forces have gained ground on the battlefield. However, Ukraine's continued focus on prisoner exchanges remains a central part of their strategy, despite the ongoing challenges.