On December 30, 2024, Russia and Ukraine completed a significant prisoner exchange, with over 300 prisoners of war (POWs) freed in a deal mediated by the United Arab Emirates.
The Russian Ministry of Defence confirmed that 150 Ukrainian POWs were released, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that 189 Ukrainians had returned home.
The discrepancy in the reported figures remains unexplained.
Zelenskyy took to Telegram to celebrate the release, calling it “very good news” for Ukraine.
He also expressed gratitude to the UAE for their role in facilitating the exchange. Among those freed were two civilians captured during the battle for Mariupol in 2022.
In a heartwarming video shared by Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova, freed soldiers were seen on buses, dressed in winter attire and military fatigues.
Moskalkova thanked the returning POWs for their patience and courage, wishing them a joyful New Year with their families.
The Russian Ministry of Defence revealed that the released prisoners received medical and psychological assistance in Belarus before their return to Russia.
This swap marks the latest in a series of exchanges that have taken place since the war began in February 2022.