The statement from the military body specifies that 175 Russian soldiers were returned from territory controlled by Kyiv regime, and in exchange, 175 prisoners of war from the Ukrainian Armed Forces were transferred back.

The statement from the military ministry adds that the United Arab Emirates mediated the return of the 175 Russian soldiers from captivity.

“Seven Russian citizens who were illegally detained by the Kyiv government, residents of the Kursk region, were also returned and will be taken home,” the statement emphasizes.

The Russian soldiers are now in Belarus and are receiving the necessary psychological and medical assistance. They will all then be taken to Russia for treatment and rehabilitation at Ministry of Defense medical facilities.

So far this year, negotiating teams from the United States, Russia, and Ukraine have held three rounds of talks in an attempt to find a political solution to the crisis.

The first two rounds took place in Abu Dhabi, the Emirati capital, in January and early February, respectively.

The third and, so far, final round was held in Geneva, Switzerland, on February 17 and 18.

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