(VOVWORLD) - Russia and Ukraine swapped more than 300 prisoners of conflict on Monday in an exchange brokered by the United Arab Emirates ahead of New Year's Eve, officials from both countries said.
 Ukrainian soldier Yevhen (right) hugs his friend after returning home on December 30, 2024. Photo: Reuters |
As a result of the negotiation process, 150 Russian servicemen were returned. 150 Ukrainian army prisoners were handed over, the Russian defense ministry said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv received 189 people as part of the deal, including soldiers, border guards and two civilians from the Russian-occupied city of Mariupol. He said Kyiv is working to get everyone return home.
Ukraine said Monday that Moscow had released a total of 3,956 people -- soldiers and civilians — in deals with Kyiv since the start of the conflict.