Ukraine successfully exchanged prisoners with Russia on Wednesday, securing the return of 150 Ukrainian fighters, announced President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy shared footage of freed prisoners, many wrapped in Ukrainian flags, reuniting with their families and loved ones.

For security reasons, officials did not disclose the exchange location, but emotions ran high as soldiers embraced their families.

Zelenskyy thanked international partners, highlighting the United Arab Emirates’ crucial role in facilitating the exchange.

“And today, for them and their loved ones, this day means more than years of waiting,” Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram.

He emphasized the joy of bringing captives home, stating that some had endured over two years in captivity.

Russia’s defence ministry confirmed that its released soldiers were receiving medical evaluations in Belarus before returning home.

The Kremlin acknowledged the UAE’s mediation, recognizing its continued role in previous prisoner swaps between the two nations.

Both Kyiv and Moscow credited the United Arab Emirates for their humanitarian mediation in securing the latest exchange of captives.