Russia, Ukraine conduct 205-for-205 prisoner swap

Russia and Ukraine have carried out a prisoner exchange, with each side handing over 205 detainees, according to the Russian Defenсe Ministry.

The swap was conducted with the mediation of the United Arab Emirates. Russian servicemen who were returned are currently in Belarus, where they are receiving psychological and medical assistance, Russian media reports, citing the ministry.

“All Russian servicemen will be transported to the Russian Federation for treatment and rehabilitation in medical institutions of the Russian Defence Ministry,” the ministry said.

The exchange comes amid broader efforts to expand prisoner swaps between the two countries. In early May, U.S. President Donald Trump said he had urged both sides to carry out a larger exchange under a “1000 for 1000” formula during a ceasefire declared for Victory Day. Russia said it agreed to the proposal.

On May 9, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov stated that both sides were actively working on compiling lists of prisoners of war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also confirmed readiness to proceed with an exchange.

By Tamilla Hasanova