Moscow: Russia and Ukraine on Sunday exchanged 146 prisoners of war each after mediation by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A statement by the Russian Defense Ministry stated that 146 of its servicemen were returned with 'humanitarian mediation efforts' from the UAE. In exchange, 146 prisoners of war from the Armed Forces of Ukraine were transferred to the Ukrainian side. It also mentioned that eight Russian citizens residing in the border region of Kursk were returned to Moscow as part of the swap. The returned Russian servicemen are currently in Belarus, where they are receiving necessary psychological and medical assistance.

According to Anadolu Agency, Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War confirmed the swap in a statement on Telegram, though it did not specify the figures. The statement acknowledged that eight civilians were also returned and noted that the servicemen's return was part of deals reached in Istanbul, where three rounds of peace talks were held on May 16, June 2, and July 23. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on the situation, acknowledging the ongoing exchanges and the efforts of Ukrainian warriors, the team working daily, and international partners.

The latest prisoner swap occurs amid diplomatic efforts led by US President Donald Trump to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict that has persisted since February 2022.