Russia and Ukraine have completed a major prisoner exchange, marking one of the largest swaps since the start of the war. The deal was based on agreements made earlier in Istanbul.
Russia’s Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday that another round of prisoner exchanges with Ukraine had been completed under agreements reached in Istanbul on 2 June.
The Russian soldiers are currently in neighbouring Belarus, receiving psychological and medical support. The Russian Defence Ministry published a video on Wednesday showing soldiers cheering as they boarded buses headed for home.
"All Russian servicemen will be transported to Russia for treatment and rehabilitation at medical facilities of the Russian Defense Ministry," it said.
In return, a group of Ukrainian prisoners of war was handed over to Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the exchange, celebrating the return of more than a 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers on Wednesday. Many of them were seriously wounded and some were held for more than three years. He stressed the importance of ongoing exchanges and reiterated Ukraine’s call for peace.
"The warriors returning today defended Ukraine on various fronts. A significant number had been in captivity for more than three years. All of them will receive the necessary support and medical care," said Zelenskyy.
Saudi Arabia said its air defences destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it could enter prohibited airspace over the holy city, as attacks...
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is outlining the EU's priorities in her annual State of the Union address, covering security...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was carrying out tests on a new weapon to intercept dron...
U.S. Central Command said 101 commercial vessels have been redirected in the Strait of Hormuz, while oil prices rose more than three per cent amid fresh regional attacks and supply concerns.
U.S. President Donald Trump has again said Iran is keen to reach a deal quickly, but a senior Iranian security official rejected the claim, saying Tehran will not negotiate until its conditions are met.
A Russian strike on a farm warehouse in Pryluky, north-central Ukraine, has killed at least three people, local police said. Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said an attack on a train near the Polish border was an attempt to intimidate Ukraine's allies.
A Danish military helicopter came within “metres” of being struck by flares fired by a Russian warship, Denmark's Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said on Tuesday. Russia accused Denmark of carrying out “dangerous manoeuvres” near its ship, and said it was investigating the incident.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is outlining the EU's priorities in her annual State of the Union address, covering security, support for Ukraine, trade with China, migration, climate and artificial intelligence.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is outlining the EU's priorities in her annual State of the Union address, covering security, support for Ukraine, trade with China, migration, climate and artificial intelligence.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was carrying out tests on a new weapon to intercept drones and had recorded a successful hit overnight.
Wednesday's session of the 24th Arab Media Summit in Dubai has shifted the discussion towards a central question for modern media: how can regional news organisations tell their own stories while reaching audiences far beyond their borders?
Here's your AnewZ Daily Brief for 16 September 2026. These are the top five stories making headlines in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).
Russia will hold parliamentary elections from 18 to 20 September 2026, the country's first State Duma vote since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment