Freed soldiers from both Russia and Ukraine have returned home following a major prisoner exchange mediated by the United States and the United Arab Emirates, marking a rare moment of cooperation amid ongoing conflict.
According to Russian Defence Ministry, 193 Russian servicemen were released in exchange for 193 Ukrainian soldiers handed over to Kyiv, highlighting a balanced and coordinated swap between the two sides.
Footage showed returning Russian soldiers draped in national flags as they boarded buses, many expressing relief and emotion after months in captivity.
Some servicemen said they were finally able to contact their families for the first time, with one stating, “We’re glad to be home… they’re waiting for us, they love us.”
Officials confirmed that the released Russian soldiers are currently in Belarus, where they are receiving medical and psychological support before being transported back to Russia.
Volodymyr Zelensky also confirmed the exchange, thanking international mediators for facilitating the deal and ensuring the safe return of Ukrainian personnel.
Prisoner swaps remain one of the few areas where communication between the two sides continues, despite broader tensions and ongoing conflict.
The latest exchange underscores ongoing humanitarian efforts to bring captured soldiers home, offering a rare sign of cooperation in an otherwise strained relationship.
Officials suggest that further exchanges could take place in the future, as negotiations continue through international mediation channels.
