Ukraine and Russia participated in a prisoner of war exchange, with both sides sending back 75 POWs each in the first swap in three months. The exchanged POWs included civilians, with many appearing emaciated and poorly dressed upon their return. The exchange was facilitated by the United Arab Emirates and marked the 52nd swap since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Among those returning home was Roman Onyschuck, an IT worker captured in March 2022, who expressed his longing to reunite with his family after missing important milestones during his 800-day captivity. The released POWs faced medical neglect, mistreatment, and even torture while in detention, highlighting the brutality of the conflict.
The exchange also involved returning bodies of fallen soldiers, with Ukraine returning 212 bodies and Russia returning 45. The process of identifying and burying the deceased soldiers brings closure to their families and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the war.
Despite challenges and setbacks in negotiations, both sides continue to engage in these exchanges as a way to bring closure to families and honor the memories of those lost in the conflict.
Associated Press reporter Vasilisa Stepanenko in Sumy Region, Ukraine, contributed to this report.
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