Russia and Ukraine exchange 10 prisoners each in Belarus
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Russia and Ukraine exchanged 10 prisoners each in Belarus's Gomel region on August 24, 2026, Belarusian state TV reported. The swap followed an order from Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and was conducted under international humanitarian law. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the return of 10 Ukrainian service members via Belarus.
Key Facts
- The exchange took place in Belarus's Gomel region on August 24, 2026, involving 10 Ukrainian citizens and 10 Russian servicemen.
- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko ordered the use of the return mechanism for the prisoners.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the 10 returned Ukrainians were Armed Forces and National Guard servicemen who had been missing in action on the Donetsk front.
- The humanitarian mission was conducted in strict compliance with international humanitarian law, according to the Belarusian TV channel.
The Exchange
The exchange of 10 Russian and 10 Ukrainian prisoners took place in the Gomel region of Belarus on August 24, 2026. Belarusian state TV channel 'Pervyi Informatsionny' reported that the mechanism for returning the prisoners was activated on the order of President Alexander Lukashenko. The operation was described as a humanitarian mission carried out in strict compliance with international humanitarian law.
Ukrainian Confirmation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the return of 10 Ukrainian service members from Russian captivity via Belarus. In a Telegram post, Zelensky stated that the returned individuals were servicemen of the Armed Forces and the National Guard of Ukraine who had defended the country on the Donetsk front. All 10 had been considered missing in action, and Zelensky emphasized the importance of their return.
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Russia and Ukraine exchange 10 prisoners each in Belarus
