Key facts
- Ukraine repatriated 103 prisoners of war from Russian captivity on August 19, 2026.
- Russia and Ukraine exchanged 103 prisoners of war each.
- The freed Ukrainians included members of the Armed Forces, State Border Guard Service, and National Guard.
- Another POW exchange is anticipated before the end of August.
Russia and Ukraine conducted a prisoner of war exchange on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, with each side repatriating 103 individuals. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the return of his country's citizens, who included members of the Armed Forces, State Border Guard Service, and National Guard. Zelensky affirmed that soldiers who defended Mariupol and fought on various front lines were among those brought home.