Russia and Ukraine exchange 146 prisoners each, Russian defence ministry says

Reuters

On Sunday, August 24, 2025, Russia and Ukraine conducted a significant prisoner exchange, each releasing 146 prisoners of war, facilitated by mediation from the United Arab Emirates. This swap is part of ongoing humanitarian efforts amid the prolonged conflict between the two nations.

The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed that all released Russian prisoners are currently in Belarus, receiving psychological and medical assistance. Additionally, Ukraine returned eight Russian citizens, residents of the Kursk region, to Moscow as part of the agreement.

This exchange follows a series of similar operations, with the UAE playing a pivotal role in mediating over 4,000 prisoner transfers since the conflict's escalation.

Despite these humanitarian gestures, broader peace negotiations remain challenging. Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded that Ukraine cede the Donetsk region and abandon its NATO ambitions, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected these terms, emphasizing Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. 

The international community continues to monitor these developments, with hopes that such exchanges may pave the way for more comprehensive peace efforts in the future.

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