Russia and Ukraine exchange 300 prisoners of war in UAE-mediated deal

30 December 2024, 15:18 | Updated: 30 December 2024, 15:45

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged 300 prisoners as part of a UAE-mediated deal.

The swap saw each side free 150 prisoners of war on Monday, a statement from the Russian defence ministry said.

Russian captives were released on Belarusian territory and will be transferred to Russia, it said.

Ukraine said that 189 Ukrainians had been returned from captivity.

"This is one of the largest exchanges conducted by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War since the full-scale invasion," a Telegram post from Ukraine's Ministry of Defence said.

"In total, 3,956 people have already returned from Russian captivity within the framework of the Coordination Headquarters' work on behalf of the President of Ukraine, of which 1,358 in 2024."

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There have been just 10 other exchanges this year - the lowest number since the war in Ukraine began.

Two civilians are among those released this week.

"We traditionally express our gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for their assistance in organising the exchange," Ukraine added.

"Let us recall that the largest return home of our Defenders took place on January 3 of this year. Then the Coordination Headquarters was able to return 230 people home.

"Unfortunately, many Ukrainian citizens – both military and civilian – continue to be held in Russian captivity.

"The Coordination Headquarters is doing everything possible to continue negotiations and release our people from captivity. We remember each and every one."