24.2 C
Accra
Friday, August 1, 2025
WorldUkraine war: Moscow and Kyiv exchange women detainees for sailors

Date:

Ukraine war: Moscow and Kyiv exchange women detainees for sailors

Russia has swapped 108 Ukrainian women detained as prisoners of war for 110 Russian hostages held by Ukraine according to officials on both sides,

As per reports, 37 of the women were caught after surrendering during the siege of the Azovstal steel factory in Mariupol, which ended in May.

Most of the Russians freed are sailors from merchant ships held in Ukraine.

They also include members of pro-Russian separatist military units from the Donbas in eastern Ukraine.

Daylight photos were released of the Ukrainian women boarding coaches in an unspecified area and later of them arriving after dark in government-held territory in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia.

Freed prisoners
IMAGE SOURCE, REUTERS Image caption, The freed Ukrainians were taken to safety in coaches

Freed prisoners
IMAGE SOURCE, REUTERS

Freed prisoners
IMAGE SOURCE, REUTERS

The Ukrainian presidency’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, confirmed on social media that 108 women had been released in the “first all-female exchange”.

He said they included mothers and daughters who had been held captive together. All but 12 of them are servicewomen, he said.

Denis Pushilin, the top Russian-backed official in the breakaway part of Ukraine’s Donetsk region, confirmed the swap but said two detainees had decided to remain in Russia. Kyiv has not commented on this.

According to Mr Pushilin, the prisoners freed by Ukraine are 80 sailors and 30 service personnel.

 

[forminator_poll id="710479"]

Latest stories

“Don’t make me and Stonebwoy fight ooo”- Samini warn netizens

Veteran dancehall musician, Samini has warned netizens to resist...

Kanye West’s Heil Hitler song bans him from entering Australia

US rapper Kanye West has been banned from entering...

Agradaa describes moment shared with President Mahama heavenly – Agradaa

Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Agradaa, shared a...

Dada Joe Remix extradited to face romance scam charges in USA

Ghana’s nightlife mogul and alleged crypto kingpin, Nana Kojo...

Govt launches 24-Hour Economy policy today

The government's flagship, 24-Hour Economy Policy, will be launched...

GRA sets July 16 for GHS1 fuel levy implementation

The implementation of the new GHS1 Energy Sector Shortfall...

Related stories

US travel ban against Togo, Libya, others takes effect today

Effective today, Monday, June 9, nationals of twelve countries...

Pakistan: Police in search of over 200 inmates following earth tremor

Over 200 inmates are currently on the run after...

Pope Leo XIV shares canonical acceptance

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has officially accepted his election...

Profile of the new Pope – Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost

"Peace be with all of you!" - the first...

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost named as the 267th Pope, takes the name Pope Leo XIV

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the...

Black smoke signals end of first day of conclave to elect new pope

A thick column of black smoke rising from the...

Siemens exec and his family involved in fatal Hudson helicopter crash

Tragedy struck New York City on Thursday when a...