Russia and Ukraine exchange more than 300 prisoners of war
In a deal mediated by the United Arab Emirates, Moscow and Kyiv on Monday exchanged captive soldiers, with more than 300 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers returning home ahead of New Year's Eve.
Russia and Ukraine swapped more than 300 prisoners of war on Monday in an exchange brokered by the United Arab Emirates ahead of New Year's Eve, officials from both countries said.
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.
"On 30 December, 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.
"I thank you for your service, patience and courage," Moskalkova said, wishing them a happy New Year's holiday.
(AFP)
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