MOSCOW — Russia and Ukraine announced on Saturday a new prisoner exchange, with both sides releasing 175 prisoners of war each.
The Russian Defense Ministry said 175 Russian servicemen were returned from Ukrainian-controlled territory in exchange for 175 Ukrainian prisoners.
It added that seven Russian civilians captured during Ukraine’s incursion into the Kursk region were also returned.
“Currently, the Russian servicemen are on the territory of the Republic of Belarus, where they are receiving necessary psychological and medical assistance,” the ministry said.
According to Moscow, the United Arab Emirates facilitated the exchange through humanitarian mediation efforts.
Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the swap on Telegram.
“175 servicemen. Soldiers of the Armed Forces, National Guardsmen, border guards. Privates, sergeants, and officers. And seven civilians,” he said.
Both sides had earlier indicated the exchange would take place around Orthodox Easter, which is observed on April 12 this year.
Source: Saudi Gazette