kyiv and Moscow carried out an exchange of prisoners of war on Saturday morning. More than 100 soldiers have returned to their respective sides.
In a significant gesture that coincides with Ukraine’s 33rd Independence Day since its departure from the USSR, Russia and Ukraine carried out an exchange of more than 100 prisoners of war this Saturday. This humanitarian act underscores the complexity and persistence of the conflict that has shaken the region for more than two years.
Ukraine announced the liberation of 115 soldiersmostly recruits captured during the first months of the Russian invasion. Among those released are about 50 soldiers who were captured at the iconic Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol, a symbol of the Ukrainian resistance.
The Ukrainian president, Volodímir Zelenskishared the news through the X platform, highlighting the mediating role of the United Arab Emirates in this exchange, the 55th since the beginning of the invasion. “We remember each and every one. We are searching and doing everything possible to recover everyone”Zelensky stated, accompanying his message with moving images of the liberated soldiers.
For its part, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the 115 freed Russian soldiers They had been captured in the Kursk region, the scene of a recent surprise offensive by Ukrainian forces. These soldiers will be transferred to Russia for medical treatment and rehabilitation.
This prisoner exchange occurs in a context of continued hostilities. In the southern city of Kherson, local authorities reported two deaths and four injuries, including a baby, due to Russian bombing. Simultaneously, The Ukrainian air force reported having intercepted and destroyed seven drones over the south of the country.
In Russia, the Ministry of Defense announced having shot down several drones in different regions bordering Ukraine, resulting in injuries and material damage in some areas.
Ukrainian Independence Day
In the midst of these tensions, Ukraine commemorates its 33rd Independence Day in a sober manner, with ceremonies in memory of civilians and soldiers who fell in the war. In 1991 Ukraine ceased to be part of the USSR and took independence and its own flag.
Polish President Andrzej Duda made a symbolic visit to kyiv, demonstrating Poland’s continued support for Ukraine.
It is prisoner exchange and Independence Day commemorations highlight the resistance of the Ukrainian people and the complexity of international relations in the region. While the war continues, These humanitarian gestures offer a ray of hope amid protracted conflictremembering the importance of diplomacy and international cooperation in the search for peace.
