In a historic move facilitated by the UAE, Russia and Ukraine engaged in a significant prisoner of war exchange on Wednesday, marking the first such event in months. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the release of over 200 military and civilian personnel from Russian custody, expressing gratitude for the efforts in bringing them home. Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, welcomed the returnees, emphasizing the complexity of the exchange. Among the released were combat medics, defenders from various locations, and civilians, with 130 members belonging to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The exchange was obtained after intervention by the UAE, breaking months of refusals by Russia. The total number of prisoners held by each side remains undisclosed.