Russia and Ukraine have carried out a war prisoner swap that saw 101 service members on each side returning home.
The Russians will be flown to Moscow for treatment and rehabilitation. All the released prisoners are receiving the necessary medical and psychological help, the Russian Defence Ministry said in a statement.
Kyiv also confirmed that the swap had taken place. According to senior official Andriy Yermak, Ukraine brought back 100 service members and one civilian. Out of the total number, 94 people defended Mariupol, 64 of them were fighting for the Azovstal Steel Works.
According to the Ukrainian coordination centre for war prisoner issues, First Deputy Mayor of Enerhodar returned to Ukraine in the swap.
“He did not break, refused to cooperate with the enemy, and was kidnapped by the occupants on 19 March 2022 at a checkpoint near Blahovishchenka. After 333 days in prison, he returns home to family and friends,” the statement reads.
The last confirmed prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine took place on 4 February. According to the Russian Defence Ministry, the swap was mediated by the UAE.
