In a significant development in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, both nations have conducted their 54th prisoner exchange since the start of the war in February 2022. On July 17, 2024, each side released 95 prisoners of war, bringing the total number exchanged to 190.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the return of 95 Ukrainian defenders, including 49 soldiers, 21 National Guard members, 10 Navy personnel, 7 Territorial Defense Force members, 5 border guards, and one defender from a territorial community. Many of these individuals had been in captivity for over two years, with some suffering from injuries and chronic illnesses.The Russian Defense Ministry also announced the return of 95 Russian servicemen, who will be transported to Moscow for medical treatment and rehabilitation in facilities affiliated with the Russian Ministry of Defense.This exchange was facilitated through the humanitarian mediation of the United Arab Emirates, a role they have played in previous exchanges. Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets stated that Ukraine has now returned over 3,400 prisoners since the start of the war.While this exchange represents a positive step, it occurs against the backdrop of ongoing tensions. Ukraine continues to accuse Russia of kidnapping nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children from eastern and southern Ukraine, an allegation Russia denies. The International Criminal Court in The Hague has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia’s Children’s Rights Commissioner in connection with these alleged deportations.Despite these humanitarian exchanges, both sides continue to report military actions and casualties on the front lines, indicating that the conflict is far from resolution.
Key points
- Russia and Ukraine exchanged 95 prisoners each, totaling 190 in their 54th swap since the war began.
- The United Arab Emirates mediated the exchange, continuing its role in facilitating humanitarian negotiations.
- Ukraine has now returned over 3,400 prisoners since the start of the war, according to Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets.
- Despite these exchanges, tensions remain high with ongoing accusations and military actions on both sides.
