Kathmandu— Russia and Ukraine conducted another exchange of prisoners of war on Wednesday, returning 103 servicemen from each side, according to a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry. The exchange took place amidst ongoing conflict between the two nations, with mediation provided by the United Arab Emirates. Returned soldiers are receiving medical and psychological support, and both sides exchanged information regarding missing personnel and agreed to facilitate parcel delivery to remaining prisoners of war.

Details of the Exchange

The Russian Defense Ministry announced that 103 Russian servicemen were returned from Ukrainian-controlled territory. In return, Ukraine received 103 members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The freed Russian soldiers are currently in Belarus, where they are receiving psychological and medical assistance. Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova is actively involved in supporting the returning troops.

Condition of Returned Soldiers

Lantratova reported that 31 of the returned Russian servicemen sustained injuries during their captivity. She also highlighted the personal stories behind the soldiers, noting that many are fathers and some are very young men. The ministry plans to transport the soldiers to Russia for continued treatment and rehabilitation at Defense Ministry medical facilities.

Humanitarian Efforts Alongside Exchange

During the exchange process, Lantratova met with Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner Dmitry Lubinets. Both commissioners exchanged lists of missing persons and letters from families hoping to reach their loved ones still held captive. They also reached an agreement to arrange for the delivery of care packages to prisoners of war on both sides.

Recent Exchange History

This exchange follows a series of similar events between Moscow and Kiev. On June 26, another exchange saw 160 servicemen returned by each side, again with mediation from the UAE. Prior to that, in early June, Russia and Ukraine exchanged 185 prisoners of war each, and in May, another 205 soldiers were released on both sides. The two countries are also continuing efforts to return the remains of fallen soldiers.

The prisoner exchanges represent a rare instance of cooperation between Russia and Ukraine despite the ongoing conflict, with the United Arab Emirates playing a consistent role as humanitarian mediator.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.