Russia and Ukraine Exchange 103 Captured Soldiers Each in Latest Prisoner Swap

Prisoner swap completed with UAE mediation

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged 103 prisoners of war each in a latest swap mediated by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the return of 103 Ukrainian service members from Russian captivity, while Russia also confirmed the return of 103 of its servicemen.

The returning Ukrainians include personnel from the Armed Forces, National Guard and Border Guard Service, with several requiring medical care and rehabilitation.

The Russian servicemen were initially transferred to Belarus for medical and psychological assistance before their return to Russia. The UAE continues to play a key humanitarian role in facilitating prisoner exchanges between Moscow and Kyiv, one of the few areas of continued cooperation amid the ongoing war.

The latest exchange comes as broader peace efforts remain stalled, with both sides still divided over the conditions for ending the conflict. Nevertheless, the swap represents a significant humanitarian development, bringing more than 200 soldiers home and renewing calls for the release of thousands of others who remain in captivity.