Kyiv, Ukraine – Hope flickered amidst the grim war in Ukraine on Wednesday as Russia and Ukraine conducted their largest prisoner exchange since the invasion began, freeing over 470 soldiers and civilians from captivity. This significant diplomatic feat, brokered with United Arab Emirates mediation, marks a potential thaw in the prisoner exchange process that had stalled in recent months.
Russia’s Defense Ministry announced the return of 248 military personnel, while Ukraine celebrated the homecoming of 230 of its citizens, comprising 224 soldiers and six civilians. This figure surpasses all previous documented swaps, offering a glimmer of relief for families on both sides.
Ukraine’s POW coordination center acknowledged the United Arab Emirates’ role in facilitating the exchange, hinting at a potential shift in diplomatic relations. While formal peace talks remain elusive, this human corridor offers a crucial lifeline amidst the ongoing conflict.
Despite engaging in numerous prisoner swaps since the February 2022 invasion, the frequency had dwindled significantly in 2023, with the last exchange occurring in early August.