Russia and Ukraine Conduct 160-for-160 Prisoner Swap in Belarus

On 26 June 2026, Russia and Ukraine each released 160 captured personnel in a coordinated swap. The exchange took place on Belarusian territory, where the returned Russian servicemen received medical care. Humanitarian mediation was provided by the United Arab Emirates, and Russia’s human-rights commissioner Yana Lantratova oversaw assistance to the Russian side.

Russia and Ukraine Hold 160-for-160 Prisoner SwapUkraine returns 160 servicemen from Russian captivity: ZelenskyPrisoner Exchange Between Ukraine and Russia Underway in Belarus

Since the February 2022 invasion, prisoner exchanges have been one of the few cooperative mechanisms between Kyiv and Moscow. The UAE has mediated several swaps, including 205-person and 314-person exchanges earlier this year, and a body exchange of 522 Ukrainian and 33 Russian remains. The latest swap coincides with Ukraine’s 40-day pressure campaign against Russian logistics, while peace talks remain stalled.

EuronewsRussia and Ukraine Hold 160-for-160 Prisoner SwapUkraine returns 160 servicemen from Russian captivity: Zelensky

The exchange involved President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, the Russian Defense Ministry, United Arab Emirates humanitarian mediators, Russian human-rights commissioner Yana Lantratova, and Belarus as the neutral venue.

Prisoner Exchange Between Ukraine and Russia Underway in Belarus

The swap involved 160 Ukrainian servicemen—members of the Armed Forces, State Special Transport Service, National Guard and State Border Guard Service—captured on fronts such as Mariupol, Azovstal, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kyiv, Chernihiv and Sumy, and 160 Russian servicemen. All Ukrainian detainees had been held since 2022. A prior body exchange returned 522 Ukrainian and 33 Russian remains.

Prisoner Exchange Between Ukraine and Russia Underway in BelarusRussia and Ukraine Hold 160-for-160 Prisoner SwapUkraine returns 160 servicemen from Russian captivity: Zelensky

President Zelenskyy said the exchange fulfills Ukraine’s demand to bring home its captured personnel and thanked the units that sustain the exchange fund. The Russian Defense Ministry described the swap as equal, noting the Russian servicemen were transferred to Belarus for care, and both sides highlighted the UAE’s mediation.

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• “We continue bringing Ukrainians home from Russian captivity. Today, 160 service members were released,” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine

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• “Thank you to our entire team that works every day to bring our people home.” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine

Prisoner Exchange Between Ukraine and Russia Underway in Belarus

• “160 Russian servicemen have been returned” — Russian Defense Ministry spokesperson

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• “The returned Russian servicemen are currently in the Republic of Belarus,” — Russian Defense Ministry spokesperson

Ukraine returns 160 servicemen from Russian captivity: Zelensky

All cited sources agree on the 160-for-160 figure and the involvement of the UAE and Belarus. No public discrepancies were identified regarding participants or location. Detailed personal information about the released individuals and the conditions of their captivity remain undisclosed.

Russia and Ukraine Hold 160-for-160 Prisoner Swap

Ukraine’s 40-day pressure operation against Russian logistics continues, and both sides have signaled willingness to pursue further exchanges. International mediators, including the United Arab Emirates, are expected to remain engaged as diplomatic efforts to resolve the broader conflict progress.

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