Russia has returned 205 of its fighters from territory controlled by Kiev, the Russian Defense Ministry reported. The ministry said that the same number of Ukrainian Armed Forces prisoners of war were handed over to the Ukrainian side as part of the exchange.

The released Russian servicemen are now in Belarus. They are receiving the necessary medical and psychological assistance. After that, the fighters will be brought to Russia, where they will continue treatment and undergo rehabilitation.

The United Arab Emirates acted as mediator in organizing the exchange.

The previous prisoner exchange took place on April 24. At that time, Moscow returned 193 Russian servicemen, while Kiev received the same number of Ukrainian prisoners.