Russia and Ukraine conducted a prisoner swap of 205 servicemen each on Friday, even as the war escalated with renewed mass drone and missile strikes across Ukraine, underscoring the narrow channels of cooperation that persist alongside intensifying battlefield violence.
The Russian defence ministry said 205 Russian servicemen were returned from Ukrainian-controlled territory, while an equal number of Ukrainian prisoners of war were handed over in exchange.
Moscow said the returning troops were taken to Belarus for medical checks and psychological support, adding that the United Arab Emirates played a humanitarian role in facilitating the transfer.
The exchange follows statements last week by U.S. President Donald Trump, who announced plans for a broader 1,000-prisoner swap as part of a U.S.-brokered cease-fire initiative linked to Russia’s May 9 commemorations.
While that proposal raised hopes of limited de-escalation, implementation has remained partial and inconsistent.
