Russia, Ukraine exchange prisoners of war each

Russia and Ukraine swap 103 prisoners of war each

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged 103 prisoners of war each, in the latest prisoner swap between the two countries as their war continues with no breakthrough on a comprehensive peace agreement.

Officials on both sides confirmed the exchange on Wednesday, while Ukrainian intelligence indicated that another round could take place before the end of August.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said those returning to Ukraine included personnel from the Armed Forces, State Border Guard Service and National Guard.

On the Russian side, Interfax reported the exchange citing Russia's Ministry of Defence.

‘Keep believing and don’t lose hope’

Among the Ukrainians released was Dmytro, 29, who said he had spent three years in captivity.

“It’s a wonderful day. I’ve returned home. I haven’t done anything heroic, and I don’t consider myself special,” he told Reuters.

He also delivered a message to relatives whose loved ones remain in Russian captivity.

“I want to tell the families of the men who are still being held: keep believing and don’t lose hope,” he said.

Another released Ukrainian serviceman, 43-year-old Anton Tymofienko, said he had spent 28 months in captivity.

“The most we received were letters from relatives … Otherwise, we had no information,” he recalled.

Neither man disclosed details about where they had served during the conflict.

More prisoners expected to return

Ukraine's military intelligence chief, Oleh Ivashchenko, said the latest exchange would not be the final one this month.

He said another operation was expected before the end of August, with Kyiv hoping to secure the release of Ukrainians who have been held for particularly long periods.

“In the next exchange, we expect the return of defenders who have been held for a prolonged period, including those who fought in the defence of Mariupol,” Ivashchenko said.

Mariupol became one of the defining battles of the war after Russian forces besieged the strategic southern port city during the early months of the 2022 invasion.

Exchanges continue despite stalled peace efforts

Prisoner exchanges have remained one of the few areas where Russia and Ukraine have continued to reach practical agreements, even as the two sides remain deeply divided over the terms of any broader peace settlement.

The latest operation brings another 206 servicemen home, but thousands of soldiers and civilians are still believed to remain in captivity on both sides.

For families waiting for relatives who have disappeared into captivity, the prospect of another exchange before the end of the month offers a fresh, if cautious, reason for hope.