Ukraine, Russia swap over 300 prisoners in year-end deal

Ukraine and Russia exchanged over 300 prisoners of war in a deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates just ahead of New Year’s Eve. The exchange, a significant gesture in a war-torn relationship, underscores the human cost of the conflict that began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The Russian Ministry of Defence confirmed the transfer of 150 of its servicemen from areas controlled by Ukraine, stating, “On 30 December, as a result of the negotiation process, 150 Russian servicemen were returned from territory controlled by the Kyiv regime. In return, 150 Ukrainian army prisoners of war were handed over.”

On the Ukrainian side, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that 189 individuals had returned home, including soldiers, border guards, and two civilians who were detained in the Russian-occupied city of Mariupol. “We are working to free everyone from Russian captivity. This is our goal. We do not forget anyone,” Zelensky reaffirmed.

Since the onset of the war, Ukraine reports that a total of 3,956 people, both soldiers and civilians, have been released through prisoner swaps with Russia. This latest exchange, facilitated by the UAE, highlights the role of neutral mediators in bringing moments of relief to the protracted conflict.

Video footage shared by Russia’s human rights commissioner, Tatyana Moskalkova, showed soldiers dressed in winter gear gathering outside buses as they prepared for their return. “I thank you for your service, patience, and courage,” Moskalkova remarked, wishing the soldiers a happy New Year. In a message posted on Telegram alongside the video, she added, “Very soon our guys will embrace their relatives and friends and celebrate the New Year in their native land.”

Similarly, Zelensky shared images of Ukrainian soldiers holding the nation’s yellow-and-blue flag as they were reunited with their compatriots.

As both nations prepare to mark New Year’s Eve, an important holiday for Ukrainians and Russians alike, the exchange offers a poignant reminder of shared humanity, even in times of war.