Ukraine Completes Prisoner Exchange with Russia

Ukraine successfully conducted a prisoner swap with Russia on December 30, bringing home 189 individuals, including military personnel and two civilians. President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to the United Arab Emirates and other partners for facilitating the exchange. While Ukraine reported 189 returns, the Russian Defense Ministry stated that each side released 150 prisoners, highlighting a discrepancy in numbers. The returned Ukrainians included defenders from various frontline areas, such as Mariupol and Chornobyl, with many having suffered reported mistreatment during captivity. Zelensky emphasized the joy this return brings to families, stating, 'Today, 189 families are celebrating.' This exchange continues Ukraine's efforts to recover its citizens from Russian captivity, with over 3,900 released through similar exchanges to date.