News - Global mediation helps facilitate a major prisoner of war exchange between Russia and Ukraine.

In a significant development, Russia and Ukraine have completed a large-scale prisoner of war (POW) exchange, returning 193 servicemen to each side. The swap, conducted on Friday, was facilitated by the mediation efforts of the United Arab Emirates and the United States, according to a statement by Moscow's Defense Ministry. The exchange marks a critical phase in easing tensions between the two nations, as diplomatic dialogues continue. The prisoners were returned from the respective territories under control, with Russia confirming the return of its servicemen from Ukrainian-controlled regions while transferring an equivalent number of Ukrainian prisoners. Currently in Belarus, the Russian soldiers are receiving both psychological and medical help and are set to be transported to Russia for further treatment and rehabilitation soon. Both countries appear committed to continuing these exchanges, having resumed regular talks in May 2025. Earlier in the month, a similar POW exchange took place amid a temporary ceasefire to mark Orthodox Easter, with each nation releasing 175 soldiers. That swap also saw the return of seven civilian hostages from the Kursk Region, reportedly the last held following last year's incursion. Notably, the largest exchange since recent talks resumed involved around 1,000 prisoners being swapped back and forth, an operation executed in multiple phases within the same month. These exchanges are a part of ongoing efforts to address humanitarian concerns arising from the prolonged conflict and serve as a stepping stone towards potential broader peace initiatives.