Prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine: 314 soldiers return through Emirati mediation
In a significant diplomatic and humanitarian step amidst ongoing fierce fighting, Russia and Ukraine announced on Thursday the completion of a large-scale prisoner exchange involving 157 individuals from each side, bringing the total number of released prisoners to 314. This is the first such exchange since last October, ending a four-month stalemate on the prisoner issue.
Details of the deal and international mediation
This breakthrough came as a result of intensive talks held in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, reflecting the pivotal role of international mediation in easing the humanitarian tensions caused by the war. The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed in an official statement the recovery of 157 Ukrainian servicemen, the same number released by Kyiv in return.
This process is of particular importance as it is the only tangible result announced so far from the negotiations hosted by the UAE, which sought to find common ground between the two sides of the conflict, at a time when the fronts are witnessing a continuous military escalation.
Zelensky: Every Russian prisoner is an opportunity for the return of a Ukrainian
For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed via social media the return of 157 Ukrainians, explaining that the list included members of the army, the National Guard, and the border guard, as well as a number of civilians. Zelenskyy noted that the majority of those released had been held captive since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2012, making their return particularly significant for their families.
The Ukrainian president emphasized the importance of what he called the "exchange fund," urging his forces to continue capturing Russian soldiers to ensure the return of more Ukrainians. He stated, "Without the determination and courage of our soldiers on the front lines, such exchanges would not be possible. Every achievement of our combat units directly contributes to maintaining our ability to bring Ukrainians back from Russia.".
The return of those sentenced to life imprisonment and the context of the conflict
In providing specific details about the types of prisoners released, Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Ukrainian presidential office, revealed that the deal included 19 Ukrainian soldiers who had received harsh sentences from Russian courts, including 15 who had been sentenced to life imprisonment. Moscow and Kyiv regularly exchange accusations of war crimes, with Russian courts repeatedly handing down severe prison terms to captured Ukrainian soldiers.
This exchange comes at a sensitive time in the conflict, which is nearing its third year. The prisoner exchange remains one of the few channels of communication between the two sides, despite the collapse of most other diplomatic avenues. Observers note that the resumption of the exchange after a long hiatus offers a glimmer of hope to families still awaiting news of their missing or imprisoned loved ones, and underscores that international pressure and regional mediation can still achieve humanitarian breakthroughs in the seemingly impenetrable wall of war.
