Ministry: Russia, Ukraine exchange 25 prisoners of war each

The Russian Defence Ministry has stated that Russia and Ukraine exchanged 25 prisoners of war each. 

Russian servicemen are currently in Belarus, where they are receiving assistance, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

"On January 15, as a result of negotiations, 25 Russian servicemen were returned from territories controlled by the Kyiv regime. In exchange, 25 Ukrainian prisoners of war were handed over. Currently, all Russian servicemen are in the Republic of Belarus, where they are receiving necessary psychological and medical assistance, as well as have the opportunity to contact their relatives," the ministry said.

All released servicemen will be transported to Russia for medical treatment and rehabilitation, the Russian Defence Ministry said.

The ministry also highlighted that the United Arab Emirates played a mediating role in the repatriation of Russian soldiers from captivity.

Earlier, Russia and Ukraine conducted a prisoner swap, involving the release of 150 Russian servicemen and 150 Ukrainian soldiers. The exchange was facilitated through a negotiated process, with both parties confirming the successful return of their personnel.

The Russian Ministry of Defence reported that 150 Russian servicemen were safely located in the Republic of Belarus, where they received necessary medical and psychological care. 

The ministry added that the soldiers had the opportunity to contact their families. The United Arab Emirates played a crucial role in mediating the exchange, offering humanitarian assistance to ensure the process went smoothly. Upon their return, all Russian soldiers were transported to medical facilities in Russia for further treatment and rehabilitation.

By Naila Huseynova