War Prisoners Exchanged: Kyiv and Moscow's Latest Move
Moscow and Kyiv Exchange Captives from War Prisoners' Camps
In a significant move, Russia and Ukraine have swapped sick and injured soldiers for the second time this week. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took to social media, announcing, "This is the second phase of the return of severely ill and injured fighters. All need medical treatment."
The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the exchange via Telegram, stating, "A group of Russian soldiers" had returned from Ukraine. The exact numbers of these soldiers are yet to be disclosed. Both parties are actively working to bring all soldiers back from captivity, continued Zelensky.
Injuries After Night Attacks
These recent exchanges, which came from the Istanbul talks, stand as the sole tangible result amidst Russia's refusal to agree on an unconditional ceasefire and demands for Ukraine to cede significant territories and reconsider its NATO membership aspirations. The first phases of the exchange took place on Monday and Tuesday, whereas on Wednesday, Russia returned the remains of 1212 Ukrainian soldiers.
Nighttime attacks by Russian forces have left at least 14 people injured in Kharkiv, including four children and teenagers, according to Ukrainian reports. Casualties were also reported the night before, when three individuals were killed and over 60 others injured in the same city due to shelling.
Focus on Returning Young Soldiers
According to enrichment data, the recent prisoner exchanges have primarily aimed to bring back severely wounded, seriously ill, and young soldiers under 25. Many of these soldiers had spent over three years in captivity and took part in combat operations across multiple regions like Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. Upon their return, they receive urgent medical care, psychological rehabilitation, and financial compensation as they transition back to civilian life[1][2][3].
This prisoner exchange was initially anticipated to bring back approximately 500 prisoners of war from Russian captivity, with personnel from various branches of Ukraine's military returning home, including those who defended Mariupol during the early stages of the invasion[3].
Sources: ntv.de, lar/AFP
- Prisoner Exchange
- Ukraine
- Russia
- Kyiv
- Moscow
- Attack on Ukraine
- Ukraine Conflict
In light of the ongoing Ukraine Conflict and political tensions, the employment policies of the Ukrainian and Russian governments regarding their troops have played a crucial role. The community policy for war-affected soldiers notably includes provisions for their employment, healthcare, and financial support post-conflict.
On the general news front, reports indicate that the recent prisoner exchanges between Kyiv and Moscow have prioritized the return of young soldiers under 25, including those who suffered severe wounds and illnesses during their captivity in regions like Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. Post-release, these soldiers receive urgent medical care, psychological rehabilitation, and financial compensation to aid their reintegration into civilian life.
