MOSCOW/KIEV, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Russia and Ukraine each exchanged 160 prisoners of war on Friday in the latest swap between the two sides, Russian and Ukrainian authorities said.

A soldier released from captivity is transferred to a hospital for medical treatment in northern Ukraine on April 11, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

The Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement that 160 Russian service members had been returned from territory controlled by Kiev, while 160 Ukrainian prisoners of war were handed over in return.

According to the ministry, the returned Russian service members are receiving medical and psychological assistance in Belarus before being transferred to Russia for further treatment and rehabilitation.

The ministry also said the United Arab Emirates provided humanitarian mediation that facilitated the exchange.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram that the returned Ukrainians had been held captive since 2022.

Those released include members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the State Special Transport Service, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service, Zelensky said.

Friday's exchange marked the 76th prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia since 2022, when the conflict between the two countries erupted.