Russia and Ukraine Exchange 270 Prisoners of War Each

Russia and Ukraine exchanged 270 prisoners each on Friday, October 23, according to statements from both sides. Ukraine said 261 of its returnees were military personnel and nine were civilians. President Volodymyr Zelensky said most had been held since 2022, including soldiers who defended Mariupol. Five Ukrainians had previously been believed killed in the July 2022 attack on Olenivka prison. The freed Russian servicemen were taken to Belarus for medical and psychological support before returning home, Russian officials said.