30.12.2024 21:40
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that 189 Ukrainians have returned home as part of a prisoner exchange facilitated by the United Arab Emirates. Russia, on the other hand, announced the reciprocal return of 150 soldiers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a prisoner exchange took place between Russia and Ukraine, stating that 189 Ukrainians have returned home.
189 UKRAINIAN PRISONERS RETURNED HOME
A prisoner exchange was carried out between Ukraine and Russia with the mediation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In his statement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that 189 Ukrainians were returned to them, saying, "The liberation of our citizens from Russian captivity is always very good news for all of us, and today is one of those days. Our team has succeeded in bringing 189 Ukrainians back home."
Stating that the UAE played a mediating role in the prisoner exchange negotiations, Zelensky expressed, "We do not forget anyone. We thank the team working to bring our people back and all our partners, especially the United Arab Emirates."
150 RUSSIAN SOLDIERS WERE ALSO RETURNED
In a written statement by the Russian Ministry of Defense, it was stated that, contrary to Zelensky's claims, 150 soldiers were exchanged mutually. The ministry said, "As a result of the negotiation process on December 30, 150 Russian soldiers were returned from the territories controlled by the Kiev regime. In return, 150 Ukrainian soldiers were handed over to the Ukrainian Armed Forces." The ministry also reported that the Russian soldiers were transferred to Belarus, where rehabilitation and health checks would be conducted.