Major Prisoner Exchange: Ukraine and Russia Swap 185 POWs

Ukraine and Russia have exchanged 185 prisoners of war each in the latest swap as part of a ceasefire agreement brokered by the U.S. and mediated by UAE. This marks the second exchange under an agreement to swap 1,000 prisoners. The oldest Ukrainian returned is 62 years old.

In a significant development amidst ongoing tensions, Ukraine and Russia exchanged 185 prisoners of war each on Friday. This exchange is part of a broader ceasefire agreement facilitated by the United States, officials from both nations confirmed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy revealed on social media platform X that most of the Ukrainian personnel had been held since 2022. Alongside military personnel, Russia also returned one civilian, marking a crucial diplomatic gesture.

The operation, mediated by the United Arab Emirates, is the second under the arrangement to swap a total of 1,000 prisoners. Kyiv's general staff reported that the oldest Ukrainian in this exchange is 62 years old.