Russia and Ukraine have swapped 25 prisoners of war each in a deal mediated by the United Arabic Emirates, according to official statements issued by both sides.
“I am grateful to the team that searches for our people and organizes this important work. We extend our gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for their assistance in making today’s event possible,” Zelenskiy wrote on X social media platform on Thursday, January 15. The Ukrainian leaded thanked the UAE for the making the prisoner swap possible.
All repatriated servicemen are soldiers, sailors, and sergeants who defended Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Mariupol, including Azovstal, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War. The center said in Telegram that the released wounded have loss of vision, amputations, complex bullet wounds, and the effects of mine injuries, among other things. The youngest released is 24 years old, and the oldest is 60. Among the released Ukrainian POWs is one civilian who was detained in Kyiv region.
The Russian Defence Ministry also confirmed the release of 25 prisoners of war, saying the released Russians were being treated in neighbouring Belarus.
“All released servicemen will be transported tot eh Russian Federation for treatment and rehabilitation in medical institutions of the Russian ministry of Defence,” the statement reads.
In early January, Ukrainian ombudsman Dmitro Lubinets reported the existence of a preliminary agreement with Moscow for a systematic exchange of prisoners in 2025, adding that the two countries will prioritize the return of captives who are seriously ill and wounded. “We will see if the Russian side keeps its word,” Lubinets stressed.
