KYIV/MOSCOW, April 24 (Reuters) - Ukraine and Russia conducted a prisoner of war swap on Friday, sending back 193 captured personnel each in an exchange both sides said was facilitated by the United
Ukraine and Russia Swap 193 Prisoners of War Each in Exchange Assisted by US, UAE
Details of the Ukraine-Russia Prisoner Exchange
Overview of the Exchange
KYIV/MOSCOW, April 24 (Reuters) - Ukraine and Russia conducted a prisoner of war swap on Friday, sending back 193 captured personnel each in an exchange both sides said was facilitated by the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
Statements from Ukrainian Leadership
President Zelenskiy's Remarks
"It is important that there are exchanges and that our people are returning home," said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in a post on Telegram.
Role of International Mediators
His chief of staff, Kyrylo Budanov, and Russia's defence ministry said the U.S. and the UAE had assisted with the exchange.
Background and Context
History of Prisoner Swaps
Russia and Ukraine have conducted many prisoner swaps over four years of war, exchanging thousands of captives in total.
Details on Returned Captives
Conditions and Experiences
Zelenskiy said some of the returned captives, who included soldiers, border guards and police, had injuries, while others had faced criminal charges in Russia.
Emotional Homecoming
In Ukraine, returning captives streamed off buses, many draped in their country's flag and overwhelmed with emotion.
Personal Testimonies
"It still hasn't sunk in that I'm home, I was in captivity for three years ... our Ukrainian sky, our trees -- this is happiness," said Serhiy, a soldier, who gave only his first name.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Max Hunder and Maxim Rodionov, additional reporting by Reuters TV; Editing by Rod Nickel)
