Russia and Ukraine on Monday exchanged over 300 prisoners of war (PoWs) in a deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ahead of New Year’s Eve, officials from both countries confirmed.
The two nations have swapped hundreds of captive soldiers since Russia began its military assault on Ukraine in February 2022.
“On 30 December, as a result of the negotiation process, 150 Russian servicemen were returned from territory controlled by the Kyiv regime. In return, 150 Ukrainian army prisoners of war were handed over,” the Russian defence ministry announced.
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Kyiv received 189 individuals as part of the deal, including soldiers, border guards, and two civilians from the Russian-occupied city of Mariupol.
“We are working to free everyone from Russian captivity. This is our goal. We do not forget anyone,” Zelensky said.
Ukraine reported that Moscow has released a total of 3,956 individuals, including soldiers and civilians, since the conflict began.
Both sides acknowledged that the latest exchange had been facilitated by the UAE.
A video shared by Russia’s human rights commissioner, Tatyana Moskalkova, showed soldiers gathered outside, dressed in winter attire and military camouflage.
“I thank you for your service, patience, and courage,” Moskalkova said, wishing them a happy New Year’s holiday.
“Very soon our guys will embrace their relatives and friends and celebrate the New Year in their native land,” she wrote in a Telegram message accompanying the footage.
Zelensky shared photos of some of the released men holding up yellow-and-blue Ukrainian national flags while sitting on a coach.
New Year’s Eve remains an important celebration in both countries.
