A further prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine took place on February 5. According to the Defense Ministry in Moscow, a total of 150 Russian soldiers returned from Ukraine. In return, Russia released 150 Ukrainian prisoners of war.
Currently, the Russian military personnel are on the territory of Belarus, where they are receiving medical and psychological assistance, as well as the opportunity to contact their families. Additionally, they are being transported to Russia for medical treatment and rehabilitation in facilities of the Defense Ministry.
The United Arab Emirates played a humanitarian mediation role in the exchange, as emphasized by the ministry.
The exchange was also confirmed by the Ukrainian side. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram about the 150 Ukrainian soldiers who were brought back to Ukraine, noting that some of them had been in captivity for more than two years. Zelenskyy also highlighted the involvement of partners, including the UAE, during the exchange.
During the previous exchange on January 15, Russia and Ukraine each released 25 prisoners of war.