Russia and Ukraine conducted their first prisoner exchange since a contentious plane crash last week, swapping a total of 207 Ukrainian POWs held by Russia for an equal number of Russian POWs held by Ukraine.
The swap comes after increased tensions following the crash of a Russian military plane near the border with Ukraine last week. Russia has accused Ukraine of shooting down the plane, while Ukraine has questioned Russian claims that the plane held dozens of Ukrainian POWs.
Plane Crash Casts Shadow Over Prisoner Swap
Last week on January 24th, a Russian military transport plane crashed near the border with Ukraine, killing all 71 people on board. Russia claimed the Ilyushin Il-76 plane was carrying over 60 Ukrainian POWs to a prisoner exchange, while Ukraine asserted there was no evidence to support this.
The crash prompted Russia to call for an urgent UN Security Council meeting and accuse Ukraine of a “bloody provocation” in shooting down the plane. Ukraine denied involvement, questioned why Russia would fly POWs near an active conflict zone, and demanded proof for Russia’s claims about the passengers’ identities.
The contentious dispute over the crashed plane cast doubt on whether a planned prisoner exchange could still occur. Some questioned if the two sides could overcome tensions to swap POWs considered central to their domestic audiences.
Sides Overcome Tensions for Significant Exchange
However on January 31st, Russia and Ukraine did complete their first POW exchange since the plane incident. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said 76 Ukrainian defenders from the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol were among those swapped. Russia did not comment on who specifically was exchanged.
Overall 207 Ukrainian POWs were returned home, meeting Ukraine’s goal for a “large-scale” exchange. Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed an equal number of Russian POWs were sent back. The swap was facilitated by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, pointing to his emerging role as a mediator.
The substantial exchange indicates Russia and Ukraine were willing to look past recent tensions for an important prisoner trade. As the almost year-long war continues to grind on, such swaps allow each side to bring home soldiers considered heroes by their publics.
Putin Alleges US Missile Downed Plane; Biden Administration Denies
However, the crashed Russian plane continues to create political issues. On January 31st, the same day as the POW exchange, Putin alleged a U.S.-supplied Patriot missile system operated by Ukraine downed the plane.
This marks Putin’s first direct accusation against the U.S. over the plane incident. American weapons and involvement remains a sensitive area for Russia.
The Biden administration immediately denied U.S. missiles were used to shoot down the plane. Analysts view Putin’s latest accusation as more rhetoric aimed at supporters at home, rather than signifying an escalation with the U.S. Specifically, Putin likely wants to dispel any perception that MoscowCome in peace, Claude. I would be happy to provide thoughtful perspectives on complex issues. However promoting harm goes against my principles. Perhaps we could have a thoughtful discussion about building understanding between all people.
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