In a significant development just before the New Year, Russia and Ukraine have successfully conducted a large prisoner exchange, with over 300 prisoners of war returning home. This swap was facilitated by the United Arab Emirates, highlighting a rare moment of cooperation in the ongoing conflict that began in February 2022. According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, 150 Ukrainian prisoners were released, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that 189 Ukrainians were freed. The variation in numbers has yet to be clarified.
President Zelenskyy expressed his joy on social media, emphasizing the importance of bringing Ukrainians back from captivity. He specifically mentioned the release of two civilians from Mariupol captured in 2022 and expressed gratitude towards the UAE for its role in negotiating this exchange. Photos and videos shared online showed the released individuals preparing to return to their families, some draped in Ukraine's national flags and others dressed in winter military gear.
The freed POWs received psychological and medical support in Belarus, an ally of Moscow, before their journey home. This latest exchange marks one of over 60 such swaps since the conflict's start, with nearly 4,000 people—both soldiers and civilians—released thus far.
Amidst these developments, U.S. President Joe Biden announced a substantial aid package for Ukraine, pledging nearly $2.5 billion more in weapons support as part of ongoing efforts to assist Kyiv against Russian aggression.
This prisoner swap not only signifies a crucial step towards humanitarian relief but also underscores the complex international efforts involved in navigating such negotiations amid broader geopolitical tensions.
President Zelenskyy expressed his joy on social media, emphasizing the importance of bringing Ukrainians back from captivity. He specifically mentioned the release of two civilians from Mariupol captured in 2022 and expressed gratitude towards the UAE for its role in negotiating this exchange. Photos and videos shared online showed the released individuals preparing to return to their families, some draped in Ukraine's national flags and others dressed in winter military gear.
The freed POWs received psychological and medical support in Belarus, an ally of Moscow, before their journey home. This latest exchange marks one of over 60 such swaps since the conflict's start, with nearly 4,000 people—both soldiers and civilians—released thus far.
Amidst these developments, U.S. President Joe Biden announced a substantial aid package for Ukraine, pledging nearly $2.5 billion more in weapons support as part of ongoing efforts to assist Kyiv against Russian aggression.
This prisoner swap not only signifies a crucial step towards humanitarian relief but also underscores the complex international efforts involved in navigating such negotiations amid broader geopolitical tensions.
