MOSCOW, Dec 30, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Russia said Monday it had swapped 150 Ukrainian soldiers held captive for an equal number of Russian troops, in an exchange deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates.

"On 30 December, as a result of the negotiation process, 150 Russian servicemen were returned from territory controlled by the Kyiv regime. In return, 150 Ukrainian army prisoners of war were handed over," the Russian defence ministry said.