Russia and Ukraine swop 103 prisoners of war each
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Ukrainian prisoners of war being welcomed home at an undisclosed location in Ukraine on Aug 19.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- Russia and Ukraine exchanged 103 prisoners of war each, with another swap expected before the end of the month, according to Ukrainian military intelligence.
- Among the released Ukrainians were servicemen from the Armed Forces, Border Guard, and National Guard, many held for long periods.
- Released prisoners expressed hope and urged families of those still held to keep faith, highlighting the ongoing impact of the conflict.
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KYIV – Russia and Ukraine have exchanged 103 prisoners of war (POWs) each, officials from both sides said on Aug 19, with Ukrainian intelligence saying another swop was expected before the end of the month.
Kyiv and Moscow have carried out regular POW exchanges throughout the war that started with Russia’s invasion of its smaller neighbour in 2022, while remaining far apart on terms for any peace deal.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram the Ukrainians who were brought home included servicemen from the armed forces, the State Border Guard Service, and the National Guard.
On the Russian side, Interfax news agency cited the Russian Ministry of Defence for news of the exchange.
“It’s a wonderful day. I’ve returned home. I haven’t done anything heroic, and I don’t consider myself special,” Dmytro, 29, a Ukrainian who was a prisoner for three years, told Reuters.
“I want to tell the families of the men who are still being held: Keep believing and don’t lose hope,” he added.
Another Ukrainian serviceman, Anton Tymofienko, 43, heading home after 28 months, recalled his time in captivity.
“The most we received were letters from relatives... Otherwise, we had no information,” he said.
Neither gave details of where they had fought in the war.
Ukraine’s military intelligence head Oleh Ivashchenko said that another exchange was expected before the end of the month.
“In the next exchange, we expect the return of defenders who have been held for a prolonged period, including those who fought in the defence of Mariupol,” he said, referring to the port city that Russia besieged early in the war. REUTERS