Russia and Ukraine Exchange 205 Prisoners Each with UAE Mediation, Belarus Providing Medical Care to Russian Soldiers

Russia and Ukraine Exchange 205 Prisoners Each with UAE Mediation, Belarus Providing Medical Care to Russian Soldiers
[Moscow, May 6, 2025]

Russia and Ukraine exchanged 205 prisoners of war each on Monday, according to a statement from the Russian Ministry of Defense.

The ministry stated that the returning Russian soldiers are currently undergoing psychological and medical evaluations in Belarus. Afterward, they will be transferred to Russia for further treatment and rehabilitation.

“On May 6, as a result of negotiation efforts, 205 Russian servicemen were returned from the territory controlled by Kyiv. In exchange, 205 Ukrainian prisoners of war were handed over,” the statement read.

The Russian Defense Ministry praised the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its mediation efforts and expressed gratitude for their humanitarian support.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the return of Ukrainian troops, noting that the group included soldiers from various branches, including those who defended Mariupol and had been held in different regions of Russia.

He expressed his gratitude to the UAE and all parties involved in the negotiations, reaffirming his ongoing commitment to securing the release of all Ukrainian prisoners of war.

Previously, on April 19, Russia and Ukraine conducted their largest prisoner swap since the war began, exchanging 246 prisoners each.