Russia, Ukraine Exchange 206 Prisoners In Second Swap In 2 Days

Russia and Ukraine conducted a major exchange of 206 prisoners on Saturday, 103 apiece, in their second such swap in two days, following negotiations mediated by the United Arab Emirates, officials said. President Volodymyr Zelensky credited the release of the prisoners to his forces' recent incursion into Russia. The released Ukrainians -- 82 soldiers and privates and 21 officers -- had been held since the early months of the war, he said.

The Russian Defence Ministry said that the 103 Russian soldiers exchanged had been taken prisoner in the border Kursk region where Ukrainian forces launched the surprise incursion in August.

"Our people are home," Zelensky said on the Telegram messaging app. "We have successfully brought back another 103 warriors from Russian captivity to Ukraine."