Kyiv: Russia and Ukraine announced on Saturday the exchange of 230 prisoners of war, with each side releasing 115 captives. This exchange occurred just over two weeks after Ukraine launched a surprise incursion into Russia's Kursk region, coinciding with Ukrainian Independence Day.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) played a key role in mediating the swap, with both Kyiv and Moscow expressing their gratitude for the UAE's involvement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the return of 115 Ukrainian defenders, including soldiers from the National Guard, Armed Forces, Navy, and State Border Guard Service. He shared photographs of the released men draped in Ukrainian flags.

Russia also confirmed the exchange, noting that 115 Russian servicemen captured in the Kursk region had been returned. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that the troops were currently in Belarus, receiving psychological and medical support before their return to Russia.

This exchange is part of ongoing prisoner swaps that have taken place throughout the more than two-year conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as both countries continue to engage in military operations and diplomatic negotiations.