Russia and Ukraine Exchange 146 Prisoners Each in UAE-Brokered Deal

Prisoners Receive Medical and Psychological Support Following Release
Moscow/Kyiv, August 25, 2025 — In a rare instance of cooperation amid ongoing hostilities, Russia and Ukraine exchanged 146 prisoners of war (POWs) from each side on Sunday. The exchange was facilitated by mediation from the United Arab Emirates, both governments confirmed.
The Russian Defence Ministry announced that all 146 released Russian soldiers were transferred to Belarus, where they are receiving medical check ups and psychological support. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also confirmed the return of 146 Ukrainian POWs, calling it “another step in our unwavering effort to bring our people home.”
This latest exchange follows months of stalled negotiations and intermittent efforts by neutral countries like the UAE, Turkey, and Qatar to mediate humanitarian agreements between the two warring nations.
A Humanitarian Window in a Prolonged Conflict
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, thousands of soldiers and civilians have been captured or gone missing. Although prisoner swaps have occurred sporadically, they often hinge on complex negotiations and third-party mediation.
The UAE has positioned itself as a neutral facilitator in several such exchanges, leveraging its diplomatic ties with both Moscow and Kyiv. Sunday’s swap was reportedly the result of weeks of behind-the-scenes coordination, although neither side disclosed the names or ranks of those released.
“This exchange shows that even in a brutal war, humanitarian channels can remain open,” said a senior European diplomat familiar with the negotiation process.
Conditions of Detention Under Scrutiny
Both sides have accused each other of mistreating prisoners. International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), have documented cases of abuse and called for greater transparency in the treatment of POWs.
In their respective announcements, both Russian and Ukrainian officials emphasized that the returning soldiers would receive medical care, counseling, and debriefings.
“Our heroes are home,” said Ukrainian presidential adviser Andriy Yermak in a Telegram post. “We will continue to fight for every Ukrainian still held in captivity.”
Geopolitical Implications
While the prisoner swap will not affect the military calculus of the war, it underscores the continued importance of diplomatic backchannels. Analysts say such gestures may help build limited trust that could eventually feed into broader ceasefire or peace discussions even as both sides remain entrenched on the battlefield.
With fighting continuing in the eastern and southern fronts, the human cost of the war shows little sign of easing. Nevertheless, Sunday’s exchange offers a small glimmer of relief for hundreds of families on both sides.
What’s Next?
Officials from the UAE expressed hope that the successful swap would encourage future humanitarian actions, including civilian evacuations and potential discussions around protected zones for medical aid. No dates have yet been announced for further exchanges, but diplomats suggest that more deals may be quietly under negotiation.