Russia, Ukraine conduct another round of prisoner exchange

Russia and Ukraine on Sunday exchanged 146 prisoners of conflict from each side, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

Ukraine returned eight residents of Russia's Kursk region. The area was briefly seized by Ukraine in a surprise attack in August 2024, before Russian forces recaptured it earlier this year.

The Russian servicemen are in Belarus receiving psychological and medical assistance before being transported to Russia.

The United Arab Emirates mediated the exchange.

The third round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine was held in Istanbul, Türkiye, on July 23, 2025. After the talks, Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky said both sides had agreed to exchange at least 1,200 prisoners each.