Moscow and Kyiv Exchange 103 Prisoners of War Each in UAE-Brokered Deal

On Saturday, September 14, Moscow and Kyiv conducted a prisoner swap, each side releasing 103 prisoners of war in a rare moment of coordination amid ongoing conflict. The deal, brokered by the United Arab Emirates, marked a significant development in the Russia-Ukraine war as Russia continues its advance in eastern Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the return of 103 soldiers from Russian captivity, including 82 privates and sergeants and 21 officers. These soldiers had been held by Russia, some since the capture of the Azovstal steel plant in May 2022. Zelenskyy highlighted that the freed soldiers had defended key Ukrainian regions including Kyiv, Donetsk, Mariupol, and Kharkiv.
In exchange, Russia released 103 Ukrainian army prisoners captured during Ukraine’s incursion into the Kursk region. The Russian defense ministry stated that all released Russian servicemen are now in Belarus, receiving psychological and medical care and allowed to contact their families.
The prisoner swap comes as Russia has reported recent territorial gains in eastern Ukraine, including the capture of the village of Zhelanne Pershe, which is situated less than 30 kilometers from the strategic Ukrainian logistics hub of Pokrovsk. This village’s capture is part of Moscow’s broader campaign to control key supply routes and has led to a significant number of residents fleeing the area.
Despite Ukraine’s recent cross-border incursion into the Kursk region aimed at slowing Russian advances, President Zelenskyy admitted that the situation on the eastern front remains challenging. He noted that while Russia has been slowed somewhat, the conflict continues to be “very difficult.” Meanwhile, Russia has claimed progress in its counter-offensive efforts, regaining territory in the Kursk region.