The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that on Monday, as a result of the negotiation process, an exchange of prisoners of war was carried out: Ukraine returned 150 Russian military personnel, receiving in return 150 military personnel of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Interfax news agency emphasizes that the exchange was made in the “150 to 150” format.
President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky in his official telegram channel reports that on Monday, December 30, 189 people were returned from Russian captivity.
“These are the military – the defenders of Azovstal and Mariupol, the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, Zmeiny Island, from different directions of the front,” Zelensky wrote. “Among them are soldiers, sergeants, officers. These are national guardsmen, including the Azovites, border guards, defense fighters, warriors The Navy and Armed Forces, as well as two civilians who were captured in Mariupol, are waiting for their relatives at home. loved ones. And it’s a joy that we were able to bring them back. Today, another 189 families are happy.”
The President of Ukraine emphasized that the work to free each and everyone from Russian captivity does not stop. He expressed gratitude to the mediators, in particular the UAE, for their assistance in concluding the agreement.