Ukraine, Russia exchange 300 hostages in UAE-brokered deal ahead of New Year
- 30 December, 14:15
Russia and Ukraine have swapped more than 300 prisoners of war ahead of New Year’s Eve, officials from both countries reported on Monday.
As a result of the prisoner exchange deal brokered by the United Arabic Emirates, 150 Russian prisoners of war have been returned from Ukrainian captivity, the Russian Defence Ministry said. Video published by Russia's human rights commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova showed soldiers gathered outside buses, wearing winter clothes and military fatigues.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy also confirmed the prisoner exchange deal, saying 189 Ukrainian servicemen and two civilians were returned as a part of the deal.
“We are working to free everyone from Russian captivity. This is our goal. We do not forget anyone,” Zelensky said. He revealed that among the released hostages are National Guard members, including Azov, border guards, counter-terrorism officers, soldiers of the Navy and Armed Forces.
“We are working to free everyone from Russian captivity. This is our goal. We do not forget anyone. I am grateful to the team that is doing everything to ensure that our people return. I am grateful to all partners, including the UAE, who help us in this,” Zelensky said.
The deal represent the most significant prisoner exchange deal since the start of full-fledged invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
