Russia and Ukraine Exchange Over 300 Prisoners of War Ahead of New Year’s Eve

[Ukrainian soldiers of the 1st Separate Assault Battalion Da Vinci rest during combat medical training in the Dnipropetrovsk region, on Dec 12, 2024, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (AFP pic)]

Russia and Ukraine have swapped more than 300 prisoners of war in an exchange brokered by the United Arab Emirates ahead of New Year’s Eve, officials from both countries said.

A Brief History of Prisoner Exchanges

The two sides have exchanged hundreds of captive soldiers since Russia began its military assault on Ukraine in February 2022, in one of the few areas of cooperation. Despite the ongoing conflict, the prisoner exchanges have been a vital step towards easing tensions and promoting a sense of humanity.

The Latest Exchange

"On Dec 30, as a result of the negotiation process, 150 Russian servicemen were returned from territory controlled by the Kyiv regime. In return, 150 Ukrainian army prisoners of war were handed over," the Russian defence ministry said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv received 189 people as part of the deal, including soldiers, border guards and two civilians from the Russian-occupied city of Mariupol.

"We are working to free everyone from Russian captivity. This is our goal. We do not forget anyone," Zelensky said.

Ukraine’s Efforts to Free Captive Soldiers and Civilians

Ukraine said Monday that Moscow had released a total of 3,956 people – soldiers and civilians – in deals with Kyiv since the start of the conflict. The country continues to work tirelessly to free everyone from Russian captivity.

Brokering the Deal

Both sides said the latest exchange had been brokered by the United Arab Emirates.

A Heartwarming Gesture

Video published by Russia’s human rights commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova showed soldiers gathered outside buses, wearing winter clothes and military fatigues. "I thank you for your service, patience and courage," Moskalkova said, wishing them a happy New Year’s holiday.

"Very soon our guys will embrace their relatives and friends and celebrate the New Year in their native land," she wrote in a Telegram message accompanying the video.

Zelensky posted photos showing some of the swapped men sitting on a coach holding up yellow-and-blue Ukrainian flags.

Conclusion

The exchange of prisoners of war is a vital step towards easing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Despite the ongoing conflict, both sides have shown a willingness to work together and promote a sense of humanity. As the world celebrates New Year’s Eve, this small gesture of kindness serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

FAQs

• Who brokered the prisoner exchange?
  • The United Arab Emirates brokered the prisoner exchange.
• How many prisoners of war were exchanged?
  • Over 300 prisoners of war were exchanged in the latest deal.
• How many people have been released from Russian captivity by Ukraine since the start of the conflict?
  • A total of 3,956 people – soldiers and civilians – have been released from Russian captivity by Ukraine since the start of the conflict.
• What was the significance of the prisoner exchange?
  • The prisoner exchange is a vital step towards easing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, promoting a sense of humanity and cooperation.