Russia, Ukraine Exchange 292 POWs in Latest Swap

Russia and Ukraine conducted a prisoner of war exchange on Sunday, with each side returning 146 service members, marking another in a series of swaps this year. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that the freed Russian servicemen are currently in Belarus receiving medical and psychological care before being transferred to Russia. Additionally, eight Russian civilians from the Kursk region were returned to Moscow by Ukraine. The exchange was mediated by the United Arab Emirates, highlighting ongoing, limited cooperation between the two countries despite the conflict. These prisoner swaps have been among the few tangible outcomes of recent negotiations, including talks held in Istanbul earlier this year. This exchange continues the pattern of efforts to manage humanitarian issues amidst the ongoing hostilities.