Russia, Ukraine swap 115 prisoners each under UAE-mediated deal amid Kursk offensive

Russia and Ukraine swapped 115 prisoners each on Saturday (Aug 24), following the United Arab Emirates (UAE) mediatednegotiations.This marks the first such prisoner swap since Ukraine launched its counter-offensive in Russia in August.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, "Another 115 of our defenders have returned home today. These are soldiers of the National Guard, the Armed Forces, the Navy, the State Border Guard Service." He also published photographs of men wrapped in Ukrainian flags.

Meanwhile, the Russian defence ministry said, "As a result of a negotiation process, 115 Russian servicemen taken prisoner in the Kursk region have been returned from territories controlled by the Kyiv regime."

Notably, this will be the seventh such exchangethe UAE has mediated since Russia launchedits invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Abu Dhabi, a close ally of the United States, has maintained friendly relations with Russia amid its war with Ukraine, causing frustration to some Western officials. Meanwhile, it has also strengthened ties with Kyiv.

According to UAE officials, their ability to hold discussions with international actors means that they can effectively mediate between parties and promote cooperation and security.

To date, the UAE has mediated the release of 1788 Russia-Ukraine prisoners, including those who are reportedly scheduled to be released on Saturday.

At least five killed afterRussian attack on Ukraine'sKostyantynivka

Russia attacked the eastern Ukrainian city of Kostyantynivka, killing five people,Ukraine’s prosecutor general said on Saturday.

“As a result of this enemy attack five residents - three men and two women - suffered fatal injuries,” the prosecutor said in a statement.

Russia wanted to 'destroy' Ukraine

Meanwhile, in an Independence video, Zelensky said Russia wanted to "destroy" Ukraine but the war has "returned to its home".

On August 6, Ukraine's military launched a surprise attack into Russia's Kursk region, marking the biggest attack inside Russian territory by any international power since the Second World War.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos