24.10.2026 00:30
Russia and Ukraine released 270 people each in the latest prisoner-of-war exchange, held after talks with U.S. negotiators. It was reported that among those returning to Ukraine were 9 civilians and 5 survivors of the July 2022 Olenivka attack. It was announced that the Russian soldiers would be taken to Russia after receiving psychological and medical assistance in Belarus.
Russia and Ukraine released 270 people each in the latest prisoner-of-war exchange, held after talks with US negotiators.
Russia and Ukraine agreed on the mutual release of prisoners of war following diplomatic contacts with the US. Under the latest exchange, each side released 270 people, and it was reported that 9 civilians were among those returning to Ukraine.
ZELENSKY: SURVIVORS OF THE OLENIVKA ATTACK ALSO RETURNED
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a statement, "Among those returning are 5 people who survived the Russian terrorist attack in Olenivka in July 2022."
Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova said that Ukraine had handed over 7 of its civilians to Russia who can now be reunited with their families. Lantratova said, "Some people were unable to be reunited with their loved ones for a long time due to problems with their documents. Others were left far from their families, deprived of support and the money to support themselves." Lantratova thanked her Ukrainian counterpart and the International Committee of the Red Cross for their assistance.
RUSSIAN SOLDIERS IN BELARUS
In a statement, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the released Russian soldiers are in Belarus and will be taken to Russia after receiving psychological and medical assistance. The ministry released a video showing the released Russian soldiers smiling as they got on a bus, then applauding and shouting "Long live."
The last large-scale exchange between the two countries took place on August 19, when 103 Ukrainian prisoners held by Russia returned home. Later that month, 10 more people were brought back.