Russia forced to increase POW exchanges with Ukraine - ISW
Photo: Russia is forced to exchange POWs more often (t.me/khmelnytskaODA)
Control of part of the Kursk region by the Armed Forces of Ukraine has prompted Russia to increase POW exchanges with Ukraine, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
A report mentioned a recent one-on-one prisoner exchange, marking the fourth such event since Ukraine's operation in the Kursk region on August 6, 2024.
ISW analysts noted that the frequency of POW exchanges between Ukraine and Russia significantly increased following the capture of part of the Kursk region.
During the previous three exchanges, the parties exchanged a total of 267 POWs. Russia and Ukraine conducted only three exchanges between January 1 and August 6, 2024.
“ISW continues to assess that the Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk region has likely increasingly incentivized Russia to engage in POW exchanges,” the ISW stated.
POW exchange between Ukraine and Russia
On Friday, October 18, Ukraine and Russia conducted another POW exchange, bringing home 95 Ukrainian defenders.
Among those returning to Ukraine were 34 members of the Azov regiment who defended the Azovstal Iron and Steel Works in Mariupol in 2022, as well as personnel from the National Guard, State Border Guard Service, and other units. The UAE acted as the intermediary for the exchange.
Many of the returning Ukrainian service members suffered from serious illnesses and severe injuries, having lost weight due to torture and inadequate nutrition while in Russian captivity.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that this exchange demonstrates Ukraine's strengthening position.
