More than 300 prisoners of war traded between Russia and Ukraine.
#image_title

More than 300 prisoners of war traded between Russia and Ukraine.


Share this post

In a deal mediated by the United Arab Emirates ahead of New Year's Eve, Russia and Ukraine exchanged over 300 prisoners of war (POWs), according to officials from both nations.

On Monday, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenksyy announced that 189 Ukrainians had returned home, while the Russian Ministry of Defence announced that it had exchanged 150 Ukrainian detainees. The disparity in the published numbers has no clear explanation.

"For all of us, the news of our people's return from Russian captivity is always very positive. And today is one of such days: 189 Ukrainians were successfully brought home by our squad," Zelenskyy wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

He hailed the UAE for its assistance in negotiating the exchange and stated it included two civilians who were captured in the southern coastal city of Mariupol in 2022. Zelenskyy shared images of scores of individuals seated in a bus, some of them wearing the blue and yellow flags of Ukraine.

Tatyana Moskalkova, Russia's human rights commissioner, released a video of soldiers in winter clothing and military fatigues gathered outside buses. Wishing them a happy New Year's holiday, Moskalkova added, "I thank you for your service, patience, and courage." She wrote in a Telegram message that accompanied the video, "Very soon our guys will embrace their relatives and friends and celebrate the New Year in their native land."

Before returning home, the released prisoners of war received medical and psychological support in Belarus, a crucial ally of Moscow, according to the Russian Defence Ministry.

Since the start of the war in February 2022, 60 separate prisoner swaps have taken place. The two nations exchanged 95 prisoners of war in the most recent exchange, which occurred in mid-October.

Ukraine reported Monday that Moscow has released 3,956 individuals, including civilians and troops, in agreements with Kyiv since the crisis began. Zelenskyy pledged to keep advocating for the release of the remaining prisoners of war.

"We are still fighting to release everyone who is being held captive by Russia. We shall not overlook anyone in pursuit of our objective. He wrote, "I express my gratitude to the team that is making every effort to bring our people home."

As his government rushes to use all of the available funds to assist Kyiv in fending off Russia before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, US President Joe Biden announced Monday that the US will deliver roughly $2.5 billion extra in weapons to Ukraine.


Share this post
Comments

Be the first to know

Join our community and get notified about upcoming stories

Subscribing...
You've been subscribed!
Something went wrong
“KPop Demon Hunters” Becomes Netflix’s Most Watched Film of All Time

“KPop Demon Hunters” Becomes Netflix’s Most Watched Film of All Time

Netflix’s Korean-inspired hits just keep on coming, as “KPop Demon Hunters” has become the streamer’s most watched film of all time, racking up 236 million views since its June 20 release.  THEIR #1 ERA With 236 million views, KPOP DEMON HUNTERS is OFFICIALLY the most popular Netflix film OF ALL TIME. pic.twitter.com/A6yEiXzbHd — Netflix (@netflix) August 26, 2025 In just over two months, Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation’s animated musical has surpassed “Red Notice,” the 2021 Ryan Reynol


O A

Michael Jackson’s Hometown Honors His Birthday With Block Party

Michael Jackson’s Hometown Honors His Birthday With Block Party

In celebration of Michael Jackson’s birthday, his hometown of Gary, Indiana, held a special block party near his childhood home —the late, iconic singer would’ve turned 67 years old this year.  CBS Chicago reports that on Friday (Aug.29), residents of Gary came together for the “Jackson Street Block Party,” which was held at 2300 Jackson Street. The location also happens to be very close to Roosevelt High School, where Jackson’s older brother, Jackie, attended. Brothers Marlon and Jackie were


O A

Rihanna Marks 20 Years of Her Debut Album ‘Music of the Sun’

Rihanna Marks 20 Years of Her Debut Album ‘Music of the Sun’

Two decades ago, a teenage Rihanna left her home in Barbados with a dream. At just 17 years old, she released her debut album Music of the Sun on August 29, 2005. Now, twenty years later, Rihanna is celebrating the milestone with gratitude, nostalgia, and fresh surprises for fans. To mark the anniversary, Rihanna shared a moving message on Instagram, reflecting on the moment that changed her life forever. “20 years ago, I left my country, my culture, my food, and family to embark on a journey t


O A

Trump Revokes Secret Service Protection for Harris Ahead of Book Tour

Trump Revokes Secret Service Protection for Harris Ahead of Book Tour

President Donald Trump has cancelled Secret Service protection for Kamala Harris, which had been extended by Joe Biden before he left office, according to one of her advisers. As a former vice-president, Ms Harris was entitled under law to receive six months of security after leaving office in January, which was due to expire in July. Her protection had been quietly extended for another year by a directive signed by her former boss but was revoked by Trump in a memo dated on Thursday, accordin


O A