Moscow: Russia and Ukraine announced on Saturday a successful exchange of prisoners of war, with each country repatriating 175 soldiers.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Russian Defense Ministry released a statement confirming the swap, noting that 175 Russian servicemen were returned from areas under Ukrainian control. In exchange, 175 members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were handed back to Ukraine. The Russian statement also highlighted the return of seven Russian civilians who had been captured during Ukraine’s incursion into the Kursk region.

The Russian servicemen are currently in Belarus, where they are receiving psychological and medical assistance. The United Arab Emirates played a role in mediating the humanitarian efforts facilitating the return of the Russian servicemen from captivity.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also confirmed the exchange via a Telegram post, stating that the group included soldiers from various branches such as the Armed Forces, National Guard, and border guards, along with privates, sergeants, officers, and seven civilians.

Both nations had previously indicated that the exchange would coincide with Orthodox Easter. The differing calendars between Western and Orthodox Christian traditions mean that Orthodox Easter, celebrated in Russia and Ukraine, falls a week later than the Western celebration. This year, Orthodox Easter is observed on April 12, as opposed to April 5 for Catholic and Protestant Christians. The disparity arises from the Orthodox Church’s use of the Julian calendar, while Western churches follow the Gregorian calendar.