Ukraine and Russia have exchanged 157 prisoners of war each, marking their first such swap in several months, according to Russia’s defense ministry. The exchange took place amid ongoing US-facilitated discussions in Abu Dhabi focused on resolving the conflict.
Both sides released the captured soldiers simultaneously, signaling a rare moment of cooperation amid continued hostilities. The prisoner swap comes as international efforts intensify to find a diplomatic solution to the war.
**Why this matters**
Prisoner exchanges are important confidence-building measures that can reduce tensions between conflicting parties. This swap demonstrates a willingness from both Ukraine and Russia to engage in humanitarian actions despite ongoing fighting. It also reflects the influence of international mediation efforts aimed at advancing peace talks.
Source: NewsData