Ukraine and Russia engaged in a prisoner-of-war swap yesterday, exchanging 95 individuals apiece. This marks the 54th such agreement between the nations since Russia’s large-scale incursion into neighboring Ukraine began back in February ’22.
Both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed this latest development.
These rare instances where representatives from these belligerent states convene involve meticulous planning and diplomatic efforts; neither side publicly divulges exact numbers of detained personnel held captive by either nation.
President Zelensky took to social media platform Telegram to express gratitude towards the United Arab Emirates’ role in brokering this deal – marking not the first time Abu Dhabi played mediator given its cordial relationships with both capitals.
Accompanying his message were images depicting emaciated but jubilant former detainees donning shaved heads, swathed in Ukrainian colors within a rural setting.
“No matter how difficult it may be, we are looking for everyone who may be in captivity. We have to return everyone,” declared Zelensky via the same posting.
Those liberated included several Ukrainians confined for upwards of twenty-four months following captures made during initial offensives around Mariupol, subsequent skirmishes near Kiev, plus engagements throughout Eastern Luhansk province according to local authorities tasked with coordinating repatriation initiatives.
Since hostilities commenced almost two years ago now, approximately 3,400 persons inclusive of civilian & combatants alike regained freedom having previously languished under Russian control.
Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry announced plans to transport newly-freed compatriots directly to Moscow facilities specializing in providing necessary medical care alongside rehabilitative services.
Per UN accounts, vast majorities among imprisoned Ukrainian fighters endure systemic maltreatment including gross disregard toward basic healthcare needs coupled with sporadic incidents involving outright physical torment inside holding cells. Conversely, scattered allegations exist detailing ill-treatment meted out upon certain Russian captives primarily occurring amid apprehension or transfer phases en route to confinement centers.
