Russia and Ukraine Exchange Prisoners of War - United Arab Emirates broker deal
In a significant development, Ukraine and Russia have carried out a prisoner exchange involving 146 servicemen from each side. The latest swap took place on August 24, 2022, following agreements reached during three rounds of renewed peace talks held in Istanbul on May 16, June 2, and July 23.
According to reports, the freed Russian servicemen are currently in Belarus, receiving psychological and medical assistance. Among the released Ukrainian individuals was journalist Dmytro Khyliuk. However, the specific details about the other 146 released Ukrainians were not disclosed by Ukraine.
Similarly, the numbers for the release were not confirmed by either Ukraine or the Ukrainian Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War. The Russian Defense Ministry announced that 146 of its servicemen were returned through humanitarian mediation efforts by the United Arab Emirates.
The Russian Defense Ministry also stated that eight Russian citizens from the border region of Kursk were returned as part of the deal. In response, Russia also freed eight citizens from the Kursk region who were illegally detained by Ukraine.
The prisoner exchange is a rare area of cooperation between the two sides since the conflict began in February 2022. It is important to note that this exchange did not involve the use of US long-range missiles by Ukraine against Russia, as the Pentagon has blocked such usage.
Moreover, there was no confirmation of any seriously ill prisoner being exchanged in this swap. The latest swap comes as U.S. President Donald Trump intensifies diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote that the exchanges continue, and this is possible thanks to their warriors, the team that works every day, and their partners who help. He also stated that Turkey has offered maritime security guarantees for Ukraine in the Black Sea.
The former Kherson Mayor Volodymyr Mykolayenko, who spent over three years in captivity, was also released in this exchange. This prisoner exchange is the result of the Istanbul talks, which have provided a glimmer of hope for peace in the ongoing conflict.
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