Full Breakdown
185-for-185 Prisoner Swap Marks Second Phase of 1,000-POW Agreement
6/6/2026, 1:33:29 AM
185-for-185 Prisoner Swap Marks Second Phase of 1,000-POW Agreement
On 5 June 2026, Ukraine and Russia each released 185 prisoners of war in a swap mediated by the United Arab Emirates at the Novaya Guta checkpoint in Belarus. The exchange also returned one Ukrainian civilian held since 2022, marking the second 185-for-185 swap under a 1,000-POW agreement.
Ceasefire Framework and UAE Mediation
The United States negotiated a three-day ceasefire in early May, establishing a framework for reciprocal POW releases. The United Arab Emirates has acted as facilitator for all swaps. Under this framework, a first exchange on 15 May released 205 prisoners per side, followed by the 5 June swap.
Humanitarian Profile of the Released Prisoners
The Ukrainian returnees comprise 185 servicemen from the Navy, Land Forces, Air Assault, Territorial Defense, Special Operations, Military Law Enforcement, National Guard and Border Guard, plus one civilian; ages 26-62, two officers, over half captured in 2022. Russian returnees undergo medical and psychological assessment in Belarus.
Government Statements on the Exchange
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the return of 185 defenders and one civilian. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the release and said Russian servicemen are receiving medical and psychological care in Belarus before transfer to Russia. Commissioner Yana Lantratova noted the assessment process.
Ukrainian Critique of Russian Information Campaign
Ukraine’s Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets warned that Russian authorities are running an information and psychological pressure campaign targeting families of captured Ukrainian servicemen, offering assistance that Kyiv views as an attempt to influence public opinion and undermine the humanitarian nature of the exchange.
Conflicting Figures and Information Gaps
Ukrainian sources list 185 servicemen plus one civilian, while some reports mention only 185 prisoners, creating a minor discrepancy. The UAE’s statement about “370 captives from each side” conflicts with the 185-for-185 figure, likely referring to cumulative exchanges. Independent health verification of released POWs is lacking.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Another 185 Ukrainian defenders are returning home from Russian captivity today. And one civilian is also returning with the defenders,” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine
- “On June 5, 185 Russian service members were returned from territory controlled by the Kiev regime. In exchange, 185 Ukrainian prisoners of war were handed over,” — Russian Defense Ministry (via RIA)
- “The UAE has successfully mediated another exchange of prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine, involving 370 captives from each side.” — UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- “I believe that it is now up to Ukraine and Russia to establish both a ceasefire and a peace plan. It is the Europeans who can help with this,” — Emmanuel Macron, President of France
Prospects for Future Negotiations
Zelenskyy proposed that direct talks be hosted by a neutral third country, suggesting Switzerland, Turkey or an Arab state, and offered a full ceasefire during negotiations. The UAE reaffirmed its willingness to continue mediating exchanges, while both sides monitor ongoing aerial operations that could affect future humanitarian arrangements.
