Russia and Ukraine have exchanged 205 prisoners of war each, according to an announcement by the Russian Ministry of Defence on Friday, marking another prisoner exchange between the two sides.
The ministry said 205 Russian soldiers returned from territory controlled by Kyiv, while 205 Ukrainian prisoners of war were handed over in return.
Mediation and ceasefire context
The exchange comes a week after US President Donald Trump announced plans for a larger swap involving 1,000 prisoners, alongside a brief US-mediated ceasefire.
The proposed truce reportedly covered Russia’s May 9 Victory Day celebrations, though both sides later accused each other of violations.
Ongoing hostilities despite swap
Ukraine has accused Russia of intensifying attacks following the ceasefire period, including a reported airstrike on Kyiv that killed at least 24 people.
The war has continued since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with limited areas of cooperation remaining between the two sides.
Humanitarian corridor for released soldiers
The Russian Defence Ministry said the returned soldiers are currently in Belarus, where they are receiving psychological and medical support.
It also stated that the United Arab Emirates provided humanitarian assistance during the transfer process.
Rare cooperation amid conflict
Despite ongoing hostilities, prisoner exchange arrangements remain one of the few functioning channels of cooperation between Moscow and Kyiv.
Both sides continue to negotiate limited humanitarian exchanges even as frontline fighting persists.
Source: CNA
Also read: Trump says end of Ukraine war is very close
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