What's happened
On August 24, 2024, Ukraine and Russia exchanged 115 prisoners of war each, facilitated by the United Arab Emirates. This marks the first exchange since Ukraine's offensive in the Kursk region earlier this month, coinciding with Ukraine's Independence Day. The released soldiers include those captured during the defense of Mariupol.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, the exchange involved 115 Ukrainian servicemen, many of whom were captured early in the conflict, including those from Mariupol. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the importance of these exchanges, stating, 'We remember each and every one.' Politico noted that this was the first exchange since Ukraine's offensive in Kursk, highlighting the ongoing military tensions. The Guardian reported that the UAE has facilitated multiple exchanges, with this being the seventh since the war began, showcasing its diplomatic role. The Moscow Times confirmed the details of the exchange and the current status of the returned soldiers, who are receiving medical treatment in Belarus.
How we got here
This exchange follows Ukraine's surprise incursion into Russia's Kursk region on August 6, 2024. It is part of ongoing negotiations between the two countries, which have seen multiple prisoner swaps since the onset of the conflict in February 2022.
Common question
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What Happened in the Recent Ukraine-Russia POW Exchange?
On August 24, 2024, Ukraine and Russia conducted a significant exchange of prisoners of war (POWs), marking a pivotal moment in their ongoing conflict. This exchange raises many questions about its implications, the context surrounding it, and the impact on the families involved. Here’s what you need to know.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician, actor and comedian who is the 6th and current president of Ukraine, serving since May 2019.