Russia and Ukraine carried out a large-scale prisoner-of-war (POW) exchange on Sunday, with each side releasing 146 captives in a deal mediated by the United Arab Emirates, officials confirmed.

According to a statement from the Russian Defence Ministry, all freed Russian service members have been transferred to Belarus, where they are undergoing medical checkups and receiving psychological support to aid their recovery and reintegration. In addition to the POW swap, Ukraine also handed over eight Russian citizens from the Kursk region, an area that has seen intensified clashes following a surprise Ukrainian incursion earlier this month.

On the Ukrainian side, officials reported the return of 146 service members, including soldiers and border guards. The group was welcomed with emotional reunions in Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the UAE’s role in brokering the agreement, stressing the humanitarian importance of such exchanges.

“Every freed Ukrainian is a step toward justice and the protection of our people,” Zelenskyy said in a televised address, highlighting the morale boost these exchanges provide for both soldiers and families.

The UAE’s mediation reflects its growing diplomatic influence in humanitarian aspects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Since the war began in February 2022, several smaller swaps have been facilitated by neutral countries, including Türkiye and Saudi Arabia.

According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, thousands of prisoners remain in captivity on both sides. Negotiations for additional releases are ongoing, though mutual accusations of mistreatment of POWs continue to complicate talks. Independent monitors are investigating claims of violations of international humanitarian law.

While analysts view such exchanges as vital humanitarian gestures, they caution that they do little to address the wider strategic deadlock. Heavy fighting continues on multiple fronts, and prospects for a ceasefire remain distant.

Both Moscow and Kyiv have indicated a willingness to pursue further exchanges, with the UAE expected to continue serving as a mediator in future negotiations. The international community, meanwhile, has renewed its calls for adherence to the Geneva Conventions and for sustained efforts to secure the release of all remaining prisoners of war. (ILKHA)