Russia and Ukraine announced on Saturday that more than 200 people had been freed in a prisoner swap between the two countries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky A statement was issued A video was also released announcing the return of 82 privates and sergeants, and 21 officers from Russian captivity.
This follows the release of 49 Ukrainians on Friday and the exchange of more than 100 prisoners in August.
Zelenskiy said many of the prisoners have been held in Russia since 2022, dating back to the first months of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Among the prisoners were soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, National Guard, Border Guard, police and National Security Services, from Kiev and Donetsk regions, and some were captured in Kharkov and Kherson.
Some of the men are in serious condition with their injuries and will receive treatment.
“I would like to thank the exchange team for their work, and I am also very grateful to the brave combat brigades who continue to contribute to our country's 'exchange fun',” Zelenskyy said.
He said the recent Ukrainian military operation in the Russian city of Kursk provided the “necessary momentum” to make the prisoner exchange happen.
Russian Ministry of Defense Also reported In return, Ukraine released 103 Russian soldiers.
“All Russian soldiers are currently on the territory of the Republic of Belarus, where they are being provided with the necessary psychological and medical assistance and given the opportunity to contact their relatives,” Russia said in a statement on Saturday.
They will then be transferred to Russia and released.
Ukraine launched an operation into Russia's Kursk region in August, a risky move that may not have had the results Ukraine hoped for as it has not diverted Russian forces from the frontline in eastern Ukraine to try to reshape the battlefield.
Russia has redeployed some forces but continues to advance along its 600-mile eastern front and bombard Ukraine with devastating attacks.
