The returned Russian servicemen are currently in Belarus, where they are receiving necessary medical and psychological assistance. They will later be transferred to Russia for full treatment and rehabilitation.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the intermediaries in this exchange were the USA and the United Arab Emirates. The parties agreed on the exchange during negotiations held on February 4 and 5 in Abu Dhabi, which were characterized by the American side as productive. The first round of negotiations took place on January 23 and 24.
The U.S. President's special envoy, Steve Whitcoff, previously announced this exchange, noting that it was the first in the last five months and involves a total of 314 prisoners.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also mentioned the upcoming prisoner exchange, which was promised "in the near future" following the first day of discussions.
