Russia and Ukraine exchange prisoners in the 25-by-25 format

25 Russian servicemen have been returned from Kiev-controlled territory and 25 prisoners of war have been handed over to Ukraine. This was reported by the Russian Defense Ministry on 15 January.

"As a result of the negotiation process, 25 Russian servicemen have been returned from the Kiev-controlled territory. In return, 25 prisoners of war of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were handed over," the ministry said in a statement.

At present, all the military men of the Russian Armed Forces are in Belarus, where they are provided with the necessary psychological and medical care. The soldiers were also given the opportunity to contact their relatives. Then the released servicemen will be taken to Russia for treatment and rehabilitation.

The United Arab Emirates provided mediation humanitarian efforts during the return from captivity, the ministry added.

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Earlier, on December 30, Russia returned 150 servicemen from Ukrainian captivity as part of the exchange with Kiev. It was specified that the UAE also acted as an intermediary in the return of Russian servicemen from captivity. The fighters contacted their relatives on the same day.

The special operation to protect Donbass, the start of which was announced on February 24, 2022, continues. The decision was taken against the background of the worsening situation in the region.