First POW Exchange of 2025 Between Russia and Ukraine Mediated by UAE

After setting a record of mediation and prisoner exchange in 2024, the recently UAE completed its first prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia in 2025. This is the first round of exchange for 2025. Officials confirmed that  25 prisoners of war from each side returned to their homeland. 

This exchange is part of the UAE’s continuing efforts of a series of swaps between Russia and Ukraine, which started after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. 

On Wednesday Defense Ministry of Russia also announced on Telegram channel that 25 Russian servicemen had been returned home from Ukraine. In exchange 25 Ukrainian servicemen were handed over. 

He stated, “as a result of the negotiation process, 25 Russian servicemen were returned from territory controlled by the Kyiv regime. In return, 25 Ukrainian servicemen were handed over.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared that the returning group included soldiers who defended Mariupol’s Azovstal steel plant, a key site captured by Russia in 2022. Some of the returnees were civilians, though Russia insists it only released soldiers.

Zelensky wrote in his X handle, “Bringing our people home is a mission we will never stop working on.” He also shared a few pictures of this exchange. 

Zelensky highlighted that many of the returnees had severe injuries and illnesses. After this Russia stated that soldiers were receiving medical and psychological care in Belarus before returning home. Videos shared by Russian officials showed emotional reunions, including a soldier speaking to his mother and another receiving a call from his wife.

Russia and Ukraine credited the Middle Eastern nation United Arab Emirates for mediating the exchange. 

Related Posts

Kumari K

Recent Posts

Historic Sports Stadiums in Europe Every Fan Must Visit at Least Once

In Europe, there are some of the most legendary sporting arenas in the world, with a collision of history, passion,… Read More

January 7, 2026

Hollywood Reacts After Major Star Walks Out of 2026 Awards Night

The awards night of 2026 made a sudden turn when one of the biggest Hollywood stars left the hall during… Read More

January 7, 2026

Work, Wellness, and Daily Habits Trending Now: Simple Routines That Stick

The work and personal life have never been more combined, and this is why the wellness habits at work are… Read More

January 7, 2026

Upcoming Game Releases Fans Are Excited About in 2026

The year 2026 is already proving to be one of the most massive ones in the history of players, as… Read More

January 7, 2026

Top Web Series Everyone Is Binge-Watching Right Now

Looking for top web series that Americans are binge-watching right now? It is a USA-only guide that specializes in streaming… Read More

January 7, 2026

TOP RECALL You Should Track This Jan 2026: Global Nestlé Baby-Formula Recall Over Toxin Fears

Nestle, a major food company based in the United Kingdom, has issued a large-scale recall of a number of its… Read More

January 7, 2026

This website uses cookies.

Read More