Russia and Ukraine swap 103 prisoners of war each

Jerusalem Post/World News/Russia-Ukraine WarUkraine's military intelligence head Oleh Ivashchenko said that another exchange was expected before the end of the month.Follow us on GoogleA bailiff puts handcuffs on Russian opposition politician Lev Shlosberg, sentenced to 11 years in prison over his criticism of Moscow's offensive in Ukraine at a city court in Pskov, northwestern Russia on August 17, 2026. (photo credit: Olga MALTSEVA / AFP via Getty Images)ByREUTERSAUGUST 19, 2026 17:25Updated: AUGUST 19, 2026 18:06Russia and Ukraine have exchanged 103 prisoners of war each, officials from both sides said on Wednesday, with Ukrainian intelligence saying another swap was expected before the end of the month.Kyiv and Moscow have carried out regular POW exchanges throughout the war that started with Russia's invasion of its smaller neighbor in 2022, while remaining far apart on terms for any peace deal.President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram the brought home included servicemen from the Armed Forces, the State Border Guard Service, and the National Guard.On the Russian side, Interfax news agency cited the Russian Ministry of Defence for news of the exchange.Ukranian prisoners of war released from Russia say it's 'wonderful'"It's a wonderful day. I've returned home. I haven't done anything heroic, and I don't consider myself special," Dmytro, 29, a Ukrainian who was a prisoner for three years, told Reuters.Smoke in Kyiv. Increase in returnees from Ukraine due to the war. (credit: REUTERS)"I want to tell the families of the men who are still being held: keep believing and don't lose hope," he added.Another Ukrainian serviceman, heading home after 28 months, Anton Tymofienko, 43, recalled his time in captivity."The most we received were letters from relatives ... Otherwise, we had no information," he said. Neither gave details of where they had fought in the war.Ukraine's military intelligence head Oleh Ivashchenko said that another exchange was expected before the end of the month."In the next exchange, we expect the return of defenders who have been held for a prolonged period, including those who fought in the defense of Mariupol," he said, referring to the port city that Russia besieged early in the war.Follow us on Google