Russia and Ukraine Execute Major Prisoner Swap

In a significant development, Russia and Ukraine exchanged 95 prisoners of war each on Wednesday, with the United Arab Emirates acting as an intermediary, according to statements from Russia's Defence Ministry and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Russia's Defence Ministry announced via Telegram that the returning Russian soldiers would undergo medical examinations and psychological rehabilitation in Moscow. The ministry highlighted the 'mortal danger' faced by these troops while in Ukrainian captivity.

Ukrainian President Zelenskiy confirmed that the freed Ukrainian prisoners were part of the national armed forces, the national guard, and the border guard service. He expressed gratitude to the UAE for its role in facilitating the exchange.

This prisoner swap is the third of its kind within the last seven weeks. A previous exchange, which occurred in June and was also facilitated by the UAE, saw 90 prisoners released by each side.

(With inputs from agencies.)