Russia and Ukraine Conduct 10-for-10 Prisoner Exchange in Belarus with Lukashenko's Facilitation
On August 24, 2026, Russia and Ukraine conducted a 10-for-10 prisoner exchange in Belarus, facilitated by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko. Ten Russian military personnel were returned to Russia, and ten Ukrainian citizens, including those considered missing in action, were handed over to Kyiv. The exchange followed a previous prisoner swap on August 19, 2026.
Where Sources Diverge
Lenta reports the role of Lukashenko in the prisoner exchange, while other sources focus on the specifics of the exchange itself.
The role of Lukashenko in the exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine has become known.
The mechanism for repatriation was activated at the initiative of the Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.
Novaya Gazeta notes that the returned Ukrainians were military personnel considered missing in action, while others do not specify this detail.
Zelenskyy clarified that the returned Ukrainians were also military personnel who were considered missing in action.
Ten military personnel returned to Russia from captivity, and ten citizens of Ukraine were handed over to Kyiv.
Sources
Russia and Ukraine carry out prisoner exchange in Belarus Armenpress
Russia and Ukraine conducted an exchange on Belarusian territory, reported by the Belarusian state television channel 'First Informational'. 'Within the exchange, ten citizens returned to Ukraine, and ten military personnel, who were captured, returned to Russia, the Belarusians said. However, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy clarified that the returned Ukrainians were also military personnel who were considered missing in action. At the same time, the Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Belarus Irina Kostevich stated that Ukrainian citizens were on Belarusian territory and 'violated migration and other legislation'. The previous exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine took place on August 19: 103 people returned to each country. On the 13th, Moscow and Kyiv exchanged civilians: eight people returned to Russia, and seven to Ukraine. At that time, the parties also exchanged bodies of the deceased.
Russia, Ukraine hold 'ten-for-ten' prisoner swap in Belarus — TV tass.com
Russia and Ukraine conducted a 10-for-10 prisoner exchange on the territory of Belarus. On August 24, the television channel 'First Informational' reported this. Ten military personnel returned to Russia from captivity, and ten citizens of Ukraine were handed over to Kyiv. 'The humanitarian mission was carried out in strict compliance with the norms of international humanitarian law,' it states in a post on the Telegram channel. It is noted that the mechanism for repatriation was activated at the initiative of the Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.