Story perspectives

Ukraine, Russia Exchange 193 POWs in US-UAE-Backed Swap

4/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

April 24 2026, Ukraine and Russia released 193 prisoners of war in a swap facilitated by the United States and the United Arab Emirates, continuing earlier 175-for-175 and 500-for-500 swaps.
Russian officials said the soldiers will be sent to Belarus for mental-health and medical checks.
Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters said personnel had been held illegally in Chechnya, violating the Geneva Convention, prompting President Volodymyr Zelensky to welcome them on Telegram.

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Story summary

April 24 2026, Ukraine and Russia released 193 prisoners of war in a swap facilitated by the United States and the United Arab Emirates, continuing earlier 175-for-175 and 500-for-500 swaps.
Russian officials said the soldiers will be sent to Belarus for mental-health and medical checks.
Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters said personnel had been held illegally in Chechnya, violating the Geneva Convention, prompting President Volodymyr Zelensky to welcome them on Telegram.