Russia and Ukraine exchanged 175 prisoners of war (POWs) each on March 19, 2025, as part of a negotiated swap that also included Russia transferring 22 severely wounded Ukrainian soldiers, described as a "gesture of goodwill."

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the swap was conducted following negotiations: "On March 19, 2025, as a result of negotiations, 175 Russian service people were returned from Kiev-controlled territory. In return, 175 Ukrainian prisoners of war were handed over, as well as, as a gesture of goodwill, 22 severely wounded prisoners of war in need of urgent medical care."

The released Russian soldiers were transported to Belarus, where they are undergoing medical and psychological care before being transferred to Russia for further rehabilitation.

‼️🇷🇺🪖🇺🇦 #Russia and #Ukraine conducted a prisoner exchange in the 175 to 175 format.

In addition, as a gesture of goodwill, Moscow handed over 22 seriously wounded prisoners of war who require urgent medical care.

Russian military personnel are in Belarus and will be… pic.twitter.com/kkZzN0PKL7

— Maimunka News (@MaimunkaNews) March 19, 2025

Ceasefire Negotiations

The prisoner exchange took place just a day after Russia and the United States brokered a 30-day "infrastructure ceasefire" in Ukraine, aimed at halting strikes on energy and critical infrastructure.

While Ukraine accepted the US-proposed truce, Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected a broader ceasefire, citing concerns that Kiev could use the pause to reinforce its military capabilities.

As negotiations continue, discussions are underway regarding a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and a potential settlement involving the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) played a key role in facilitating the latest POW exchange, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The UAE has previously acted as a diplomatic mediator between Moscow and Kiev, focusing on humanitarian negotiations.

Talks Set for Jeddah 

As the prisoner exchange takes place, ceasefire negotiations are set to resume on Sunday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, according to US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff.

The US delegation will further be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.

The talks will focus on expanding the ceasefire to include Black Sea security and energy facilities.
Witkoff expressed optimism, stating: "The movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on the implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire, and permanent peace."

However, Ukraine has accused Russia of violating the infrastructure ceasefire, citing continued strikes on civilian infrastructure just hours after Moscow agreed to the pause.

Read more: Zelensky supports US-Russia ceasefire, seeks clarity on peace talks

While the release of wounded POWs signals a humanitarian aspect to the negotiations, the larger war remains unresolved.

The conflict, which has left hundreds of thousands dead and displaced millions, continues to be the most significant military confrontation in Europe since World War II.