Russia, Ukraine exchange 320 prisoners of war with UAE help

Russia and Ukraine completed another significant prisoner of war swap on Friday (June 26), with each side returning 160 soldiers to bring the total exchanged to 320, mediated by the United Arab Emirates.

Russia's Defence Ministry was first to confirm the exchange, saying the 160 freed Russian servicemen were taken to neighbouring Belarus, where they are receiving medical care, psychological support and other assistance.

Russia's Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova is overseeing their welfare programme.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the swap on X, saying all 160 Ukrainian soldiers freed in the exchange had been held in Russian captivity since 2022.

In his nightly address to the nation, Zelensky said more than 9,500 Ukrainian prisoners of war have returned home since the war began — including 1,596 this year alone.

Analysts view Friday's swap is among the largest single exchanges since the war began in February 2022.

The UAE has played a quiet but consistent role as a neutral intermediary in facilitating such exchanges, reflecting its broader diplomatic positioning in the conflict.