Moscow, Russia – The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that Russian soldiers recently freed from Ukrainian captivity are currently in Belarus receiving necessary medical care and psychological support. This step serves as a preparatory phase before they are transferred to Russia to complete their treatment and rehabilitation programs. The development follows a successful new prisoner exchange between Moscow and Kyiv, facilitated by a humanitarian mediation effort led by the United Arab Emirates.
Details of the Exchange and the UAE’s Role
In its statement, the Ministry detailed that the operation resulted in the release of 160 Russian soldiers from areas controlled by Ukrainian forces, in exchange for handing over 160 prisoners from the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This move marks the continuation of ongoing prisoner swaps between the two sides despite active combat operations. Moscow praised the pivotal and effective role played by the UAE in concluding this deal, emphasizing that Emirati humanitarian mediation was crucial in bringing the Russian soldiers home and ensuring the operation was executed smoothly and successfully.
Cross-Border Humanitarian Coordination
In connection with the execution of the exchange, the Russian Defense Ministry highlighted a meeting between Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova and her Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Lubinets. This meeting took place at the Belarusian-Ukrainian border simultaneously with the handover of the prisoners, reflecting the essential humanitarian coordination required to complete such complex operations.
This exchange adds to a series of similar deals conducted over the past few weeks, underscoring the UAE’s commitment to continuing its diplomatic and humanitarian endeavors aimed at alleviating the impact of the Russian-Ukrainian war. It further highlights the UAE’s support for all initiatives that contribute to reuniting prisoners with their families and easing the suffering of both military personnel and civilians alike.