Russia and Ukraine on Sunday conducted a prisoner swap, each side releasing 146 individuals, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
Among those exchanged, Ukraine returned eight residents of Russia’s Kursk region—territory briefly held by Ukrainian forces during a surprise August 2024 incursion before being retaken by Russia.
Released Russian servicemen are receiving psychological and medical support in Belarus ahead of their journey home.
The United Arab Emirates served as mediator for this round, underscoring the growing role of third-party facilitators in conflict resolution.
This exchange follows the third round of peace talks in Istanbul, TĂĽrkiye, on July 23, 2025. After the meeting, Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky said both parties had agreed to swap at least 1,200 prisoners apiece.
While this week’s numbers fall short of that benchmark, analysts say each swap builds trust and could pave the way for larger humanitarian gestures in the future.
For young global citizens, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, this exchange shows how diplomatic channels and mediation can yield tangible results—offering lessons for sustainable conflict resolution worldwide.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
