In a rare glimmer of hope amid the ongoing conflict, Russia and Ukraine announced on Thursday the exchange of 100 prisoners of war (POWs) each, facilitated by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This marks the latest development in prisoner exchanges between the two sides since the war began nearly two years ago.
Details surrounding the exchange remain limited. Russia’s Ministry of Defense acknowledged the swap through a Telegram message, stating that the returning soldiers would receive medical examinations upon arrival in Moscow.
Notably, both sides recognized the UAE’s crucial role in mediating the exchange, underscoring its potential as a neutral party in future negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took to Telegram to share further details, revealing that a majority of the freed Ukrainians participated in the 3-month long defence of the strategic Sea of Azov port city of Mariupol, which ultimately fell to Russian forces in May 2022.
Images accompanying his post depicted emotional reunions, showcasing servicemen draped in Ukrainian flags, embracing loved ones, and connecting with the outside world through mobile phones.
According to Ukraine’s Coordinating Committee on Dealing with Prisoners of War, 28 of the returned soldiers received medical attention due to injuries or illnesses sustained during their captivity.
Notably, 84 individuals were veterans of the Mariupol defence, while the remaining individuals served in other contested regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.
This recent prisoner exchange serves as a fragile beacon of hope amidst the ongoing hostilities.
While the wider conflict rages on, such humanitarian gestures offer a vital lifeline for individuals caught in the crossfire and demonstrate the potential for continued dialogue and de-escalation efforts.
