MOSCOW: Russia said on Saturday it swapped 103 Ukrainian soldiers held captive for an equal number of Russian prisoners-of-war (POWs) in an exchange deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
According to the Russian Defence Ministry, the exchange involved 103 Ukrainian soldiers who were captured during an incursion into the Kursk region that began on August 6. These soldiers were transferred from territory controlled by Ukraine’s government to Russia. In return, an equal number of Russian POWs, also 103, were handed over.
“As a result of the negotiation process, 103 Russian servicemen captured in the Kursk region were returned from territory controlled by the Kyiv regime,” the Russian defence ministry said. “In return, 103 Ukrainian army prisoners of war were handed over.”
The Russian Defence Ministry further stated that the freed Russian soldiers are currently in Belarus, where they are receiving psychological and medical support and reconnecting with their families.
“At present, all Russian servicemen are on the territory of the Republic of Belarus, where they are being provided with the necessary psychological and medical assistance, as well as an opportunity to contact their relatives,” the ministry added.
The Ukrainian government has not yet confirmed the details of the swap, though such exchanges have been a recurring feature in the conflict, often facilitated by international mediators. This latest swap follows a previous deal three weeks ago, which saw 115 POWs from each side exchanged.
The announcement comes just three weeks after Russia and Ukraine swapped 115 prisoners of war each in an exchange deal also mediated by the UAE.
Meanwhile, Russia reported on Saturday the recapture of the village of Zhelannoe Pervoe (also known as Zhelanne Pershe in Ukrainian) in eastern Ukraine. This village, situated in the Pokrovsk district, is a crucial logistical hub for the Ukrainian forces.
The Russian Defence Ministry attributed the successful recapture to the efforts of its southern units, noting a recent string of advances in the eastern Donetsk region.
The Russian military’s recent gains in Donetsk have intensified pressure on Ukrainian forces, which are reportedly experiencing shortages of personnel and weaponry. The Kremlin has frequently announced the capture of small villages and towns in the eastern region. On Tuesday, Russia also claimed control over the town of Krasnogorivka.
The conflict’s dynamics shifted on August 6 when the Ukrainian military launched an incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, advancing several kilometers and capturing multiple settlements. This offensive aims to compel Moscow to reallocate troops from Donetsk to Kursk, thereby disrupting Russian advances in the Donetsk area.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Friday that Kyiv’s efforts have successfully “slowed” Russia’s progress.
Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that capturing the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, the industrial basin comprising Donetsk and Lugansk was his top priority.
