Russia and Ukraine exchanged a total of 230 prisoners on Saturday in a deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates. The exchange took place to mark the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union.
The UAE Foreign Ministry noted that the exchange brings the total number of prisoners released through its mediation to 1,788. It praised cooperation between Russia and Ukraine and stressed that dialogue and de-escalation are essential to address the humanitarian impact of the conflict. President Zelenskyy thanked all parties involved in the exchange effort, adding that Ukraine will continue to work to search for and repatriate the servicemen.
The Russian Defense Ministry said the prisoners were captured in the Kursk region and would receive medical treatment in Belarus before being deported to Russia.
Under international law, prisoner exchanges are governed by the Geneva Conventions, specifically the Third Geneva Convention, which oversees the treatment of prisoners of war. According to Article 118 of the Convention, the parties to the conflict must release and repatriate prisoners of war without delay after the cessation of hostilities.
While hostilities between the two countries are still ongoing and implementing this provision is complicated, the “after the cessation of active hostilities” clause is intended to ensure that repatriation of prisoners of war occurs as soon as practicable. That is, strategically and legally hostilities may resume, but the key consideration is whether it is “active.” If fighting has temporarily ceased during negotiations or a ceasefire, even in isolated cases such as towns or areas, the criteria for repatriation are met.