Russia and Ukraine exchange 193 prisoners of war each

On April 24, 2026, Russia and Ukraine conducted a prisoner swap, with each side returning 193 military personnel. This marks the second such exchange during the current month, serving as a rare instance of cooperation between the two nations. The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, confirmed the return of 193 Ukrainian soldiers, noting that the group includes wounded personnel and individuals facing criminal charges in Russia. The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the return of its 193 service members, stating they are currently in Belarus receiving medical and psychological care. The United Arab Emirates and the United States acted as mediators for the swap. While initial reports broadly referenced 'around 200' captives, subsequent official confirmations from both governments specified the exact number as 193. The event highlights an ongoing diplomatic process for prisoner repatriation despite the continuation of the conflict.