Full Breakdown
Ukraine and Russia Swap 103 Prisoners of War in Mid-August Exchange
8/20/2026, 1:24:54 AM
Core Event – Prisoner Swap Details
In mid-August, Ukraine and Russia each released 103 prisoners of war (POWs). The exchange, carried out under the humanitarian mediation of the United Arab Emirates, saw Ukrainian servicemen—including members of the Armed Forces, State Border Guard Service and National Guard—return from Russian captivity, while an equal number of Russian service members were transferred to Russia. The swap represents the latest in a series of reciprocal releases that have continued despite the ongoing conflict.
Background & Context – Prior Exchanges
The most recent comparable exchange occurred on June 26, when both sides returned 160 prisoners. Earlier in the year, additional swaps involved 185 POWs each in May and 205 each in another May exchange. Alongside personnel swaps, the two parties have also exchanged the bodies of fallen soldiers on a regular basis.
Key Figures & Groups
- Volodymyr Zelensky – President of Ukraine, announced the return of Ukrainian POWs and emphasized the government’s commitment to securing the release of all captives.
- Dmytro Lubinets – Ukraine’s Commissioner for Human Rights, provided details on the age range and health conditions of the returned soldiers.
- Yana Lantratova – Russian Human Rights Commissioner, described the condition of the returned Russian servicemen and coordinated with Ukrainian officials during the exchange.
- Russian Defense Ministry – Confirmed the number of Russian service members released and noted that they are receiving medical and psychological assistance in Belarus.
Data & Statistics
- Number of POWs exchanged: 103 Ukrainian and 103 Russian servicemen.
- Age range of Ukrainian returnees: 26 years (youngest) to 59 years (oldest).
- Health status: Several Ukrainian returnees are seriously wounded or suffering from serious illnesses; 31 of the Russian returnees are reported as wounded.
- Location of Russian medical care: The returned Russian soldiers are being treated in Belarus before further transport to Russia.
Official Statements & Responses
The Ukrainian president framed the exchange as part of a broader effort to maintain direct humanitarian cooperation amid the broader diplomatic stalemate.
Russian Human Rights Commissioner Lantratova added that many of the returned soldiers are fathers and young men, underscoring the personal toll of the conflict.
Both Ukrainian and Russian human-rights commissioners exchanged lists of missing persons and letters from families, and agreed to arrange parcel deliveries to POWs held on both sides.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Today, 103 Ukrainian warriors are returning home from Russian captivity,” — Volodymyr Zelensky, president
- “We remember every man and woman who still remains in captivity. We are doing everything possible to bring all our people home,” — Volodymyr Zelensky, president
- “The vicious Russian 'safari' against our people in Kherson has long gone beyond anything a normal person could imagine,” — Volodymyr Zelensky, president
These statements capture the emotional weight of the exchange from the Ukrainian perspective and illustrate the ongoing humanitarian dialogue between the two parties.
