By Russia and Ukraine conducted a significant prisoner of war exchange on Saturday, with each side releasing over 100 captives, as Ukraine commemorated its third Independence Day since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced via social media platform X that 115 Ukrainian servicemen had been freed. The group included conscripts, many captured in the initial months of Russia’s invasion, with nearly 50 soldiers from the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol among those released.
“We remember each and every one. We are searching and doing our best to get everyone back,” Zelenskyy stated, attaching photos showing gaunt servicemen with shaven heads wrapped in Ukrainian flags.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the exchange, reporting that 115 Russian soldiers had been returned. These soldiers were reportedly captured in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces launched a surprise offensive two weeks ago. The ministry stated that the freed Russians were currently in Belarus and would be transferred to Russia for medical treatment and rehabilitation.
This marks the 55th prisoner exchange since Russia’s full-scale invasion began, with the United Arab Emirates once again serving as a mediator, according to Zelenskyy.
The United Nations has reported that most Ukrainian prisoners of war suffer from routine medical neglect, severe mistreatment, and even torture while in detention. There have also been isolated reports of abuse of Russian soldiers, primarily during capture or transit to internment sites.
As the exchange took place, military operations continued on both sides:
In Ukraine:
– Five people were killed and five wounded in Russian shelling of Kostiantynivka in the partially occupied Donetsk region.
– Two people were killed and four wounded, including a baby, in Russian shelling of Kherson.
– Two people were killed in a Russian drone attack and one in shelling in the northeastern Sumy region.
– Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting and destroying seven drones over the country’s south.
– Russian long-range bombers attacked the area of Zmiinyi (Snake) Island with four cruise missiles.
In Russia:
– The Defense Ministry reported shooting down seven drones overnight.
– Five drones were downed over the Voronezh region, wounding two people.
– Two people were wounded in a drone attack in the Belgorod region.
– No casualties were reported in the Bryansk region where another drone was intercepted.
– In the Kursk region, three missiles were shot down overnight and four more on Saturday morning.
Ukraine marked its 33rd Independence Day with somber commemorations rather than festivities. President Zelenskyy announced the successful first combat use of a new domestically produced missile drone called “Palyanitsa” against Russian forces.
Polish President Andrzej Duda arrived in Kyiv by train early Saturday in a symbolic show of support. He participated in a ceremony at the Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine, emphasizing Poland’s continued backing of Ukraine despite recent trade disputes and historical grievances.
As the conflict enters its 30th month, both sides continue to engage in drone and artillery attacks, with civilian casualties reported in various regions. The prisoner exchange and ongoing military operations underscore the persistent nature of the conflict, even as Ukraine marks its independence amid the challenges of war.
The situation remains fluid, with both nations continuing to report military activities and casualties, highlighting the ongoing toll of the conflict on military personnel and civilians alike.
