• Ukraine and Russia exchanged over 500 prisoners of war on April 19.
• A total of 277 Ukrainian service personnel returned home from captivity.
• The exchange was facilitated with the aid of the United Arab Emirates.
• The Russian servicemen are set to receive medical care in Belarus.
• Ukraine reports a total of 4,552 returns since the invasion began in February 2022.

On April 19, Ukraine and Russia completed one of their largest prisoner exchanges since the onset of conflict, involving over 500 individuals, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announcing 277 Ukrainian service personnel returned home from Russian captivity. Both nations expressed gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for facilitating this significant exchange, according to AA.

The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that they received 246 servicemen from Kyiv. Additionally, the swap included 31 injured Ukrainian soldiers exchanged for 15 Russian wounded personnel. All returned Russian servicemen are reported to be currently recuperating in Belarus, anticipating further medical treatment upon their return home, according to TRT Global.

Videos shared by Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine's human rights commissioner, depicted a lively atmosphere where released soldiers proudly displayed their national flag, showcasing their resolve and patriotism. The exchanges are part of a larger continuing effort, with Zelenskyy verifying that a total of 4,552 Ukrainians have been returned since the conflict's inception in February 2022, as reported by Reuters.