Russia and Ukraine have conducted a prisoner swap involving over 300 individuals as part of an exchange facilitated by the United Arab Emirates, just prior to New Year’s Eve, as stated by officials from both nations.
The two countries have exchanged hundreds of captives since Russia initiated its military operations in Ukraine in February 2022, marking one of the few instances of cooperation amidst the conflict.
The Russian defense ministry reported, “On 30 December, due to the negotiation process, 150 Russian servicemen were returned from areas under the control of the Kyiv regime. In exchange, 150 Ukrainian prisoners of war were released.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned that Ukraine received 189 individuals in this agreement, which included soldiers, border guards, and two civilians from the Russian-occupied Mariupol.
According to Ukraine, Russia has released a total of 3,956 individuals—both soldiers and civilians—in various agreements with Kyiv since the conflict began.
President Zelensky noted that the freed prisoners consist of national guardsmen, border guards, and members of the territorial defense forces as well as the Navy and Armed Forces.
Both parties confirmed that the latest exchange was orchestrated by the United Arab Emirates.
A video shared by Russia’s human rights commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova depicted soldiers gathered outside buses, dressed in winter attire and military uniforms.
Ms. Moskalkova expressed her gratitude, stating, “I thank you for your service, patience, and courage,” while wishing them a joyful New Year’s celebration.
In a Telegram message accompanying the video, she added, “Very soon our guys will embrace their relatives and friends and celebrate the New Year in their homeland.”
Mr. Zelensky shared photographs showing some of the exchanged personnel seated on a coach, proudly holding yellow-and-blue Ukrainian flags.
New Year’s Eve holds significant importance in both nations.
