Hundreds of prisoners of war have been exchanged between Russia and Ukraine. The exchange program was completed through the mediation of the United Arab Emirates. The Russian Ministry of Defense said that an equal number of Russian soldiers were released in exchange for 150 Ukrainian prisoners. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that 189 Ukrainian citizens have returned to their land. The British media reported the news.
Zelensky said the freed included defense personnel from Azovstal and Mariupol, workers from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and soldiers from Snack Island in the Black Sea region.
At a hospital in northern Ukraine, anxious relatives awaited the return of loved ones in the freezing cold. A woman named Alina waited for her husband, Oleksandr, who was captured during the defense of Mariupol. With tears in his voice, he said, I have waited for so long. I will finally see him.
This is the 59th prisoner exchange since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war. This is one of the biggest exchanges. Among those released were members of Ukraine's army, border guard, national guard and navy. Many had been held for more than two-and-a-half years, and many were in critical condition, Ukrainian officials said.
Although some families have been relieved by the exchange, thousands of Ukrainians are still imprisoned in Russia and various parts of occupied Ukraine. Officials in Kiev said prisoner exchange talks have become more difficult recently. Because Russian forces are making significant progress on the battlefield.
Although Ukraine has not officially released the number of prisoners, it is believed that Russia currently holds more than 8,000 Ukrainian prisoners.
Zelensky said two civilians from Mariupol were among those freed. He said, we are working to free everyone from Russian captivity. I will not forget anyone.
The Russian Ministry of Defense said that the released Russian soldiers have been transferred to Belarus. There they are given medical care and contact with their families.
Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatiana Moskalkova said in a video message that very soon our fighters will be reunited with their families and loved ones and celebrate the New Year in their homeland.
