Ukraine repatriates 103 POWs in latest exchange with Russia

Key facts

• Ukraine brought home 103 prisoners of war from Russian captivity on August 19, 2026.
• Ukraine returned 103 Russian service members to Russia as part of the exchange.
• The repatriated Ukrainians include members of the Armed Forces, State Border Guard Service, and National Guard.
• Soldiers who defended Mariupol and fought on various front lines were among those returned.

Ukraine successfully repatriated 103 prisoners of war from Russian captivity on August 19, 2026, in the latest exchange between the two nations. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the return, stating that Ukraine handed over 103 Russian service members in accordance with Russia's Defense Ministry.

The group of freed Ukrainians includes members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, State Border Guard Service, and National Guard. Zelensky highlighted that soldiers who defended Mariupol and fought on various sectors of the front line were among those returning home. He affirmed the commitment to bringing all Ukrainian citizens held captive back.

This exchange represents one of the few ongoing areas of humanitarian cooperation between Ukraine and Russia amidst the ongoing conflict. It follows a previous exchange on June 26, which saw 160 Ukrainian service members return. The day after that exchange, Ukraine secured the release of seven civilians who had been held by Russia for an extended period.

Despite the broader diplomatic stalemate, both countries have also continued to repatriate the bodies of fallen soldiers. On August 13, Ukraine received the remains of 261 individuals claimed by Russia to be Ukrainian service members, with Ukrainian investigators tasked with their identification.