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Russia and Ukraine Conduct Largest Prisoner Swap of the War

The exchange of 523 prisoners coincided with a temporary Easter ceasefire declared by Russia, which Ukraine criticized as insincere.

Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) pose for a picture after a swap, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in an undisclosed location, Ukraine April 19, 2025. Ukrainian Human Rights Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets via Telegram/Handout via REUTERS
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Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) react after a swap, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in an undisclosed location, Ukraine April 19, 2025. Ukrainian Human Rights Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets via Telegram/Handout via REUTERS

Overview

  • Russia and Ukraine completed their largest prisoner exchange since the war began, with 277 Ukrainians and 246 Russians returned home.
  • The swap included 31 injured Ukrainian POWs and 15 wounded Russian soldiers, highlighting a focus on medical prioritization.
  • Both nations acknowledged the United Arab Emirates for mediating the exchange, continuing its role as a key facilitator in such deals.
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary Easter ceasefire, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed it as disingenuous, citing ongoing drone attacks and air raid alerts.
  • Since February 2022, over 4,500 Ukrainians have been repatriated through more than 50 prisoner exchanges, showcasing one of the few cooperative measures in the prolonged conflict.