Official announcements from the mediating country, Ukrainian, and Russian governments, verified by international media

Russia and Ukraine Exchange 95 Prisoners Each, Including Azovstal Defenders, in UAE-Mediated Swap

Jul 17, 2024, 12:30 PM

Russia and Ukraine conducted a prisoner exchange on July 17, 2024, with each side releasing 95 prisoners of war. The exchange was mediated by the United Arab Emirates. Among the Ukrainian returnees were soldiers from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, and border guards, including 13 Azovstal defenders. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the exchange, expressing gratitude to the UAE for their mediation efforts. This marks the 54th prisoner exchange since the full-scale invasion began, bringing the total number of Ukrainians returned from captivity to 3,405.