Following a prolonged negotiation process, a group of 248 Russian prisoners of war was released from Kiev-controlled territory. The release was confirmed by the Russian Ministry of Defense, which stated that the exchange proceeded with the mediation of the United Arab Emirates. The ministry described the UAE’s involvement as humanitarian in nature and aimed at easing the humanitarian burden on those held in captivity. The announcement emphasized that all released Russian service members would receive comprehensive medical and psychological support as they begin their return to civilian life. They are being transported by military aircraft operated by the Russian Aerospace Forces to medical facilities affiliated with the Russian Ministry of Defense for treatment and rehabilitation.
Earlier, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that 43 Ukrainian soldiers had been captured by Russian forces in the previous week. Of these, 22 were taken in the Kupyansk direction, according to the ministry. In another development, on December 25, it was reported that four Ukrainian soldiers were captured by airborne troops near the village of Verbovoye in the Zaporozhye direction. This information comes as part of ongoing updates on the status of combatants and the evolving frontline situation. The Russian side has repeatedly framed these developments as part of its broader military activity and operational reports, while other sources continue to monitor the dynamic exchanges of prisoners and captures in various sectors of the conflict. Attribution for these statements is provided by the Russian Ministry of Defense and related official channels.
Observers note that these reports reflect a continuing pattern of prisoner exchanges and frontline updates that are common in modern armed conflicts. The emphasis from Russian authorities on medical and psychological support underscores a commitment to care for released personnel, while the use of military transport for return and rehabilitation signals ongoing coordination between armed forces and medical institutions. Analysts in the field also point to the role of international mediation in humanitarian aspects of such exchanges, with states like the United Arab Emirates cited as facilitators in negotiations. As events unfold, defense ministries and official media outlets in the region are expected to provide further updates on prisoner status, captures, and the broader operational picture. Attribution for these assessments and reports is attributed to the Russian Ministry of Defense and supporting official statements.