UPDATE - Russia, Ukraine swap 25 servicemen each in 1st prisoner exchange of 2025

REVISES HEADLINE, DECK & LEDE; UPDATES REMARKS FROM RUSSIAN DEFENSE MINISTRY; ADDS STATEMENT BY UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT & BACKGROUND

By Elena Teslova and Burc Eruygur

MOSCOW / ISTANBUL (AA) – In a mutual swap, Russia and Ukraine on Wednesday exchanged 25 prisoners of war from each side.

An initial statement by the Russian Defense Ministry said that its servicemen returned during the swap are currently in Belarus and are receiving psychological and medical assistance.

The statement said that those released will be transported to Russia for further treatment and rehabilitation, going on to highlight the mediation efforts of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in facilitating the swap.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also confirmed the swap on X, stating that Kyiv will not stop until it brings all of its people back.

"Many of them have severe injuries and illnesses, and each will receive all the necessary medical care," Zelenskyy said on the condition of those returned.

He also expressed Ukraine's gratitude to the UAE for its assistance in the swap.

The latest swap is the 60th prisoner exchange held between Moscow and Kyiv since the Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022, as well as the first to have taken place in 2025.

The last such prisoner swap took place last Dec. 30, just before the New Year.