Russia and Ukraine exchanged over 200 prisoners of war on Saturday.
According to officials, Russia returned 115 captured conscripts to Ukraine in exchange for 115 Russian servicemen who were captured in the recent Ukrainian offensive into Russia’s Kursk region. The prisoner exchange is the 55th such incident since the war began in 2022 and was reportedly brokered by the United Arab Emirates.
In a statement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “We remember each and every one. We are searching and doing our best to get everyone back.”
According to the United Nations, both Ukraine and Russia have been accused of mistreating prisoners of war, with allegations including malnutrition and medical neglect, as well as physical and psychological abuse.
Currently, neither country officially reports how many prisoners of war it holds.
The exchange comes as Ukraine celebrates its third independence day since the invasion. Although no official grand celebrations are planned, Ukrainian officials have reportedly organized a solemn remembrance for fallen soldiers and civilians.