Russia and Ukraine have carried out the largest exchange of prisoners of war in months, with the deal being reached within the framework of peace talks in Abu Dhabi, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
The warring parties announced the deal today.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that 157 Russian soldiers are returning from Ukrainian captivity, including three civilians who were captured during the Ukrainian military operation in the territory of the Russian Kursk region.
"157 captured Ukrainian soldiers were handed over in exchange," the ministry said in a statement. The Russian soldiers are reportedly currently in Belarus, where they are receiving medical care.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the exchange in a post on the messaging app "Telegram".
The deal for the exchange was reportedly brokered by the United States and the United Arab Emirates.