Historic POW Swap Between Russia and Ukraine

Russia and Ukraine exchanged 205 prisoners of war each, in a swap linked to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. The swap was mediated by the UAE, with Russian servicemen located in Belarus receiving support. Earlier, both countries had agreed to exchange a total of 1,000 soldiers.

In a landmark exchange, Russia and Ukraine swapped 205 prisoners of war each on Friday, marking a significant development tied to a ceasefire agreement facilitated earlier this month by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Russian officials confirmed that their servicemen were relocated to Belarus, where they are receiving necessary support post-exchange. The United Arab Emirates played a crucial mediating role in this swap, as noted by Moscow. Meanwhile, Ukraine also affirmed the safe return of its prisoners of war.

This exchange forms part of a broader agreement where the two nations agreed to exchange a total of 1,000 soldiers. Although the ceasefire from May 9 to May 11 was haunted by reported violations from both sides, this exchange represents a step towards possible detente.