New Russia-Ukraine Prisoner Exchange Involves 190 POWs

Russia and Ukraine have announced the completion of another prisoner swap, with this latest exchange involving a total of 190 prisoners of war. The swap was facilitated by the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.). On July 17, both Russia and Ukraine confirmed the exchange on their respective Telegram channels, highlighting the ongoing efforts and cooperation in prisoner exchanges amidst the ongoing conflict.

Details of the Prisoner Swap:

• The exchange involved each side trading 95 prisoners.
• Russia’s Defense Ministry stated, “The released [Russian] servicemen will be delivered to Moscow by military transport aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces for treatment and rehabilitation in medical institutions of the Russian Ministry of Defense.”
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed the swap on Telegram and expressed gratitude: “I am thankful to our team involved in prisoners’ exchange and the United Arab Emirates for facilitating the release.”
• Zelenskiy emphasized the ongoing efforts to repatriate all captives: “No matter how difficult it is, we are looking for everyone who may be in captivity. We must return everyone.”
• The released Ukrainian prisoners included soldiers of Ukraine’s armed forces, servicemen of the National Guard, and border guards.

U.A.E.’s Role in Mediation:

• This marks the fifth prisoner swap facilitated by the U.A.E. in 2024.
• The first exchange of the year took place on January 3, involving the return of 230 Ukrainian nationals to Kyiv and 248 Russians freed by Ukraine.
• On February 8, another exchange was conducted under a “100-for-100” formula.
• Last month, the U.A.E. facilitated a prisoner exchange in which 90 prisoners from each side were returned to Ukraine and Russia.

Ombudspersons’ Involvement

• Russian Ombudswoman Tatyana Moskalkova was present during the exchange and discussed “joint humanitarian efforts, including ones related to the reunification of families.”
• Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubintes reported that similar talks between representatives of his office and Moskalkova’s office were held at an exchange last month.

Controversy Over Deportations:

• Kyiv has accused Moscow of forcibly deporting thousands of Ukrainian children from territories seized by Russian forces since the invasion began in February 2022.
• Moscow insists the children were moved for their protection.
• In March last year, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Children’s Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova for their role in the forced deportation of Ukrainian children, considered a war crime under international legislation.
• Several children have been returned to Ukraine in recent months.