Moscow and Kiev have exchanged 270 servicemen each, with the freed Russian troops currently in Belarus
Published 23 Oct, 2026 11:43
Russian and Ukrainian human rights commissioners Yana Lantratova and Dmitry Lubinets aboard a POW exchange bus in Belarus, October 23, 2026. © Sputnik/Yuri Kochetkov
Russia and Ukraine have exchanged 270 prisoners of war each, the Defense Ministry in Moscow announced on Friday. The returning Russian servicemen are currently in Belarus, where they are receiving assistance before being transported home for treatment and rehabilitation.
Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova is working with the freed servicemen in the neighboring country, according to the ministry. The troops will receive medical and psychological assistance before being transferred to Russian Defense Ministry facilities for further treatment and rehabilitation.
Prisoner exchanges between Moscow and Kiev are generally conducted on an equal basis, unlike the repatriation of fallen soldiers, which has frequently involved Russia handing over significantly more bodies than it receives.
The latest exchange follows previous humanitarian arrangements between the two sides despite the continuing hostilities.
