Ukraine, Russia swap prisoners in Belarus for first time in four months
February 5, Pozirk. Ukraine and Russia have exchanged prisoners of war on Belarusian territory after a four-month break, with each side handing over 157 soldiers, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s press office reports.
Most of the exchanged Ukrainians had been held in captivity since 2022. Today’s exchange took place after a long pause, Zelensky noted, expressing gratitude to everyone involved in negotiating prisoner swaps.
Three Russian civilians from the Kursk province were included in the swap, the Russian defense ministry said, noting that exchanged Russian servicemen are currently receiving assistance in Belarus.
The agency also pointed out that the swap was carried out through mediation by the United Arab Emirates and the United States.
