Russian prisoners return home in latest Ukraine prisoner exchange
A plane carrying Russian servicemen released in a prisoner exchange with Ukraine landed in Russia on Friday, marking the latest swap between the two sides in the ongoing conflict.
One of the released servicemen described the hardships of captivity and the hope that sustained many prisoners.
“Every day we woke up wanting to come back, and all the other guys there thought the same,” he said. “We prayed constantly. We all have crosses and icons. Without faith, we wouldn’t have returned or survived.”
Earlier, Russia’s Defence Ministry announced that Moscow and Kyiv had carried out a “185-for-185” prisoner exchange with mediation from the United Arab Emirates.
“On 5 June, 185 Russian servicemen were returned from territory controlled by the Kiev regime. In exchange, 185 prisoners of war from the Ukrainian Armed Forces were handed over,” the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry added that the released Russian servicemen were initially transferred to Belarus, where they received medical and psychological assistance before returning home.
According to Russian authorities, the soldiers will now undergo further treatment and rehabilitation at specialised medical facilities in Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also confirmed the exchange, saying 185 Ukrainian servicemen and one civilian had been returned from Russian captivity. He thanked those involved in facilitating the swap, including international mediators.
The United Arab Emirates has played a recurring role in brokering prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine,
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
