In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the two nations have carried out a major prisoner exchange involving 206 individuals. This swap marks the second such exchange in just two days, following negotiations mediated by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that 103 of the returned prisoners were Ukrainian military personnel, including 82 soldiers and 21 officers. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that the exchanged Russian soldiers had been captured during a Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk region in August. The IDF stated that efforts to intercept the missile likely failed due to fragmentation in mid-air, potentially caused by its advanced hypersonic technology.
“Our people are home,” Zelensky stated on Telegram, expressing relief and gratitude. He shared photos of the returning servicemen, who were seen celebrating and reconnecting with loved ones.
The UAE’s involvement in facilitating the prisoner swap underscores its ongoing role in mediating conflict resolutions, with this being its eighth such mediation effort since the start of 2024. The prisoner exchange is the third since Ukraine began its cross-border operations into Russia’s Kursk region earlier this year. Ukrainian officials had previously indicated that the capture of at least 600 Russian soldiers would aid in securing the release of Ukrainian detainees.
Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported that the majority of the freed Ukrainians had been in Russian custody since the early days of the invasion. He posted a video showing the released servicemen celebrating their return.
In a related development, Russian security official Dmitry Medvedev issued a stark warning, suggesting that Russia could destroy Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, with non-nuclear weapons in response to Ukraine’s use of Western long-range missiles. Medvedev claimed that Russia already had grounds for a nuclear response but would consider using new weapon technologies to devastate Kyiv if necessary.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelensky renewed his appeal for enhanced air defense and long-range capabilities following a significant Russian drone attack. Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted 72 out of 76 drones, but the attack caused damage to buildings in several regions.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who is set to step down in October, admitted that the alliance could have done more to support Ukraine before the invasion began. He emphasized the need for future negotiations with Russia to end the conflict, based on Ukrainian strength.
In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden have delayed decisions on whether to provide Ukraine with long-range missiles, citing concerns about escalating the conflict. While Zelensky continues to push for more support, the West remains cautious about further escalating tensions with Russia.
In other developments, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged to deepen ties with Russia during talks with Russian security chief Sergei Shoigu, amid allegations of North Korea supplying ammunition to Russia.