Russia reports POW swap with Ukraine
Moscow and Kiev have conducted an exchange of prisoners of war, each repatriating 205 combatants, the Russian Defense Ministry has announced. The Tuesday swap was mediated by the United Arab Emirates, the statement said. The Russian soldiers have been transported to the territory of Belarus, Moscow’s ally, where they are receiving medical treatment, the ministry added. They will be soon be returned home for rehabilitation. Russia and Ukraine swap prisoners on a regular basis, with neutral nations helping them to make necessary arrangements. The last exchange was reported in mid-April, when each party released 246 people. The latest round comes days ahead of a unilateral Russian three-day ceasefire coinciding with the commemoration of the victory over Nazi Germany in the Second World War. Kiev has refused to reciprocate, demanding an unconditional truce lasting at least 30 days. Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky has threatened foreign dignitaries, who will gather in Moscow for a celebratory military parade in the Red Square, saying his government would not extend security guarantees to them. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that Zelensky’s remarks have not affected Russian plans, since the military can provide an “adequate response” to any Ukrainian provocations.
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