Surprise swap as Russia, Ukraine exchange 115 prisoners of war

On Saturday, Russia and Ukraine each announced the exchange of 115 prisoners of war, occurring just over two weeks after Kyiv’s unexpected incursion into Russia’s Kursk region. This exchange coincided with Ukrainian Independence Day and Kyiv’s ongoing offensive in Kursk, while Russia focuses on other eastern Ukrainian towns.

Both nations expressed gratitude to the United Arab Emirates, which mediated the agreement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that 115 Ukrainian defenders, including soldiers from various branches, were returned home, showcasing images of them wrapped in Ukrainian flags.

Kyiv had previously reported capturing hundreds of Russian soldiers during its Kursk operation launched on August 6.

Russia confirmed the swap, stating that the 115 returned servicemen were initially captured in Kursk and are now in Belarus receiving psychological and medical care before being transported back to Russia. The Russian defense ministry released photos of the soldiers near buses in a field.

The United Arab Emirates confirmed its role in facilitating the exchange between Russia and Ukraine. Both countries have conducted several prisoner exchanges during the ongoing conflict.