Russia, Ukraine successfully exchange 95 POWs each in latest swap

Russia has repatriated 95 servicemen from territory controlled by Kyiv, while simultaneously handing over 95 prisoners of war from the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).

On October 18, the Defence Ministry announced that through negotiations, 95 Russian servicemen were returned from the areas under the control of the Ukrainian government, with an equal number of AFU prisoners exchanged in return, Caliber.Az reports.

The ministry added that all repatriated servicemen are currently in Belarus, where they are receiving essential psychological and medical support, as well as the opportunity to connect with their families.

Furthermore, the Defence Ministry indicated that the released Russian servicemen would be transported back to Russia for further medical treatment. “All freed servicemen will be taken to the Russian Federation for rehabilitation in medical facilities of the Defence Ministry,” the statement reads.

The ministry also acknowledged that the United Arab Emirates played a humanitarian role in facilitating the return of the Russian servicemen from captivity.

Earlier, on September 14, the Russian Defence Ministry had reported a prisoner exchange based on the 103-for-103 formula, where 103 Russian servicemen were returned from Ukrainian detention. On August 24, it was reported that 115 Russian servicemen were released in exchange for 115 AFU prisoners.

In previous exchanges, on July 17, a 95-for-95 swap occurred, and on June 25, a 90-for-90 exchange took place. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on June 5 that approximately 1,348 Russian servicemen were held captive by Ukraine, while Russia had 6,465 AFU personnel in its custody.

Throughout this year, Russia and Ukraine have conducted several prisoner exchanges, including swaps of 75-for-75 in May, 100-for-100 in February, and 195-for-195 in January.

By Tamilla Hasanova