New york: Russia and Ukraine have successfully conducted a significant prisoner exchange, each releasing 185 prisoners of war (POWs), following an agreement reached during recent negotiations in Istanbul.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the Russian Defense Ministry announced on Thursday that 185 Russian servicemen were repatriated from areas controlled by Kiev, and in return, the Russian side released the same number of Ukrainian POWs.

In addition to the POW exchange, the Russian Defense Ministry noted that 20 Russian civilians have also been returned from territories under Kiev's control. These exchanges are part of an agreement initially struck on July 23, reflecting ongoing diplomatic efforts to address humanitarian concerns amid the ongoing conflict.