Ukraine and Russia executed another significant exchange of prisoners on Monday, returning home more than 300 captives as the nearly two-year-long conflict continues to rage on.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed on Telegram the release included 189 Ukrainians, comprising soldiers, border guards, and two civilians seized during the siege of Mariupol. Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the return of 150 of its servicemen. The exchange, described as one of the few areas of cooperation between the two countries amid hostilities, was facilitated by the United Arab Emirates, acknowledging their role as intermediaries during talks.
The exchanges unfolded in Belarus, Moscow’s close ally, where both sides have been engaging over the past several months to retrieve their soldiers and civilians caught up in the conflict. For many of the participants, the reunion with their loved ones brought emotional moments captured on camera. Videos shared by the Russian Defense Ministry displayed smiling soldiers excitedly calling family members, embodying the relief and joy of returning home just before New Year’s Eve, which holds significance for both nations.
“I’m overwhelmed by emotion, I still can’t quite believe this has happened, I’m back home,” recounted one serviceman whose identity was not disclosed, illustrating the elation many felt as they reunited with family. Parents and spouses awaited the return of their loved ones, wrapped in their respective blue and yellow national flags, indicative of their fierce pride and national identity.
Among the returning captives, Serhii, who fought at the Azovstal steel mill, was separated from his young son during his time away. “My son is 5 years old now, the last time I saw him he was 2 years old,” he explained, overwhelmed. His story resonates with many who have faced lengthy separations due to the conflict, marking the reunion as not just joyful but also significant as they have lost valuable moments together.
Roman Borshch, another returned captive, described the challenges of re-adapting to freedom, “Even now I’m holding my hands behind my back, it has become a habit of mine. Now I have to get used to being a free person again.” This reflects the psychological wear of captivity and the lasting impact of such experiences.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude toward the UAE authorities for their mediation efforts, emphasizing the importance of these exchanges: “We are working to free everyone from Russian captivity. This is our goal. We do not forget anyone.” There remains no clear explanation for the discrepancy between the number of Ukrainians and Russians released, though Russian officials noted the inclusion of civilians among the freed Ukrainians, contrary to the military focus of the Russians' exchange figures.
This prisoner exchange marks the 59th such activity since the start of the conflict on February 24, 2022. Together, the actions have seen 3,956 Ukrainians released from Russian captivity since the invasion, including individuals detained by Russian authorities under various, often arbitrary charges.
Many are expressing hope as these exchanges continue, seeing them as steps toward dialogue and potential resolution, even amid heightened tensions and military engagements. The humanitarian facets of these exchanges provide glimpses of potential cooperation, no matter how small, and symbolize resilience amid adversity.
New Year celebrations are approaching, adding another layer of significance to these exchanges as families reunite just before this notable occasion. Human rights commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova shared sentiments of optimism: “Very soon, our guys will embrace their relatives and friends and celebrate the New Year in their native land.”
This exchange, and those preceding it, demonstrate the dual narrative of war—the brutal realities faced by captives and their families, alongside the deep desire for reunion and peace. It serves as both reminder and hope as the conflict rages on, leaving many to ponder what future exchanges may still lie ahead.