The Russian Defense Ministry reported on Thursday that both Russia and Ukraine have returned 185 troops from captivity in the latest prisoner exchange. The statement mentioned that Ukraine released 20 civilians, though it did not specify if Russia made a corresponding gesture. Both groups are receiving medical and psychological support in Belarus, according to the ministry.
The swap followed agreements reached during talks between the two nations in Istanbul on July 23, as stated by the Russian Defense Ministry. Footage from the ministry showed soldiers draped in Russian flags and chanting “Hurray!” before boarding a bus.
Moscow emphasized its willingness to release Ukrainian prisoners of war if Kiev matched the number on an equal basis. Earlier exchanges included the return of 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers’ bodies and 24 Russian troops’ remains in mid-September. The ministry framed the repatriations as evidence of constructive diplomacy but accused Ukraine of blocking broader conflict resolution efforts.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government has called for increased Western sanctions against Russia and greater military and financial aid to counter Moscow’s actions.