Russia Returns 100 POWs After Negotiations, Kiev Also Returns 100 POWs, Defense Ministry Says
© Sputnik . Pavel Lisitsyn
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MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Since the Russian-Ukrainian conflict began in February 2022, the two sides have conducted several prisoner exchanges. The most recent took place in late January, when Moscow and Kiev exchanged 195 prisoners.
Russia has returned 100 prisoners of war from the territory under Kiev's control, following negotiations, while Kiev also received 100 prisoners in exchange, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday.
“On February 8, 2024, in the result of a negotiating process, 100 Russian soldiers were returned from the territory under Kiev’s control, where they faced mortal danger. In exchange, 100 military prisoners of the Ukrainian armed forces were returned [to Kiev],” the ministry said in a statement.
The United Arab Emirates has played a mediation role in the exchange, the ministry said.
"The success of the mediation, which is the third since the beginning of this year, is a reflection of the continuity, moderation and wisdom of the UAE’s relationships with countries," the UAE Foreign Ministry said. "These relations are leveraged to find common ground for resolving regional and international challenges and disputes, contributing to the continued success of diplomatic efforts."
