Ukraine and Russia swap 193 prisoners of war each in US, UAE-mediated exchange

16 articles · Updated · Reuters · Apr 24

The exchange took place on April 24, 2026, with both sides confirming US and UAE facilitation and the return of soldiers, border guards, and police, some injured or previously facing charges.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy welcomed the returnees, who arrived home visibly emotional after years in captivity, including some held for three years.
This marks the latest in a series of prisoner swaps over four years of war, with thousands exchanged since the conflict began.

Are prisoner swaps a path to peace or just a distraction from a deadlocked war?

With peace talks stalled, what is the fate of 6,000 POWs still in Russian captivity?

Will the alleged execution of Ukrainian POWs by Russian forces ever face international justice?

Will Ukraine trade its territory for security guarantees under the US peace plan?

Are the Geneva Conventions failing to protect POWs amid widespread torture allegations?