Russia reports war prisoners exchange with Ukraine

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - The Russian Defense Ministry reported a new war prisoners exchange Wednesday with Ukraine.

It said 195 Russian soldiers and officers returned from Ukraine, and the same number of military personnel were transferred to Kyiv representatives.

The Russian Foreign Ministry separately said there were fears that Ukraine might refuse further exchanges after the crash of a Russian military aircraft that was carrying Ukrainian captives for a swap on Jan. 22.

"We are happy that all our servicemen have returned safely from the territory controlled by Kyiv and are now safe. At home, all those released are provided with the necessary medical and psychological assistance," it said.

It thanked the United Arab Emirates for its mediation efforts in coordinating and conducting the exchange.