193 Prisoners Return Home After US and UAE‑Backed Swap

Ukraine and Russia swapped 193 captured soldiers each on Friday. The move was organized with help from the United States and the United Arab Emirates. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said it is good that people are coming back. His chief of staff and Russia’s defence ministry confirmed the U. S. and UAE supported the deal. This is not the first time the two countries have exchanged prisoners.They have traded thousands of captives over the past four years. Some of the soldiers who returned had injuries. Others were facing criminal charges in Russia. When they came back, many walked off buses waving their flag. They were very emotional and thankful to see familiar sights. One returning soldier, who only gave his first name, said he still can’t believe he is home. He described the relief of seeing Ukraine’s sky and trees again.