Ukraine and Russia announce major prisoner swap

Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) shout slogans while they pose for a picture after a swap, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, at an unknown location in Ukraine May 31, 2024. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko

KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine and Russia announced their first exchange of prisoners of war in nearly four months on Friday, with 150 people freed after negotiations mediated by the United Arab Emirates.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said 75 Ukrainian prisoners had been returned from Russia. They included four civilians while the rest were members of the military.