The Ukrainian military operation in the Kursk region of Russia is leading to an intensification of the exchange of prisoners of war between Ukraine and Russia. Western analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) note that four exchanges have already taken place during the operation. The last one, according to ISW, took place on 18 October.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the return of 95 Ukrainian prisoners of war, including Azovstal defenders, National Guard, border guards and other servicemen. The Russian Federation said that the United Arab Emirates had mediated the process.

The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War in Ukraine stressed that many of the returned Ukrainian soldiers suffered from serious illnesses, severe injuries and malnutrition as a result of ill-treatment and torture by Russian forces.

According to the ISW, between 1 January and 6 August 2024, the parties carried out only three prisoner exchanges. However, since the start of the Ukrainian special operation in Kursk region, three additional exchanges have already taken place, during which each side returned 267 prisoners.

The latest exchange, which resulted in the return of 95 Ukrainian heroes, is another important step in the fight for the lives and freedom of Ukraine’s defenders.