Russia and Ukraine complete prisoner exchange

Russia and Ukraine have completed a two-day prisoner exchange involving 500 individuals from each side, following an agreement reached in Geneva. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense and advisor Vladimir Medinsky, 200 prisoners were exchanged on March 5 and 300 on March 6, 2026. The exchange was facilitated through mediation by the United Arab Emirates and the United States. While media reports vary on the total numbers per day, official sources indicate a total of 500 soldiers per side were returned. These exchanges, including the return of remains, represent the only tangible outcome of direct talks held since 2025. A planned trilateral meeting was postponed due to the conflict in the Middle East. Both nations continue to trade prisoners despite the lack of progress toward a broader peace agreement to end the ongoing conflict.