Russia, Ukraine exchange more than 200 in prisoner swap

Russia and Ukraine both announced Saturday that more than 200 people were freed in a prisoner swap between the two countries.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky released a statement and video to announce that 82 privates and sergeants, along with 21 officers, were returned from Russian captivity.

It follows the release Friday of 49 Ukrainians and an August swap of more than 100 prisoners.

Zelensky said many of the prisoners have been held by Russia since 2022, as early as the first few months after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Some of the prisoners were part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, border agents, police officers and soldiers from the Defense and Security Forces. They were from Kyiv and Donetsk regions and some were captured in Kharkiv and Kherson.

Some men were in serious condition due to injuries and will receive care, he said.

“Thanks to our exchange team for their work. And my deep gratitude to all our brave combat brigades who continue to contribute to the ‘exchange fun’ for our country,” Zelensky said.

He attributed Ukraine’s recent military operation in Kursk, Russia for the “necessary momentum” to help the prisoner swap happen.

Russia’s Defense Ministry also reported that 103 Russian servicemen were released by Ukraine in return.

“Currently, all Russian servicemen are in the territory of the Republic of Belarus, where they are provided with the necessary psychological and medical assistance, as well as the opportunity to contact their relatives,” Russia said Saturday.

They will then be transferred and released into Russia.

In August, Ukraine launched a mission into Russia’s Kursk region. The risky move may not be paying off the way Ukraine had hoped, since it hasn’t diverted Russian troops from the front lines of eastern Ukraine to try and reshape the battlefield.

While Russia diverted some troops, it continues to make advances along the 600-mile eastern front line and pound away at Ukraine with destructive strikes.