First Prisoner Swap of 2026 Sees 116 Ukrainians Return Home via Ukrzaliznytsia.

2026 Prisoner Exchange

According to TSN.ua: On February 5, 2026, the first prisoner exchange of the year was conducted, resulting in the return of 116 Ukrainians freed from Russian captivity. The state railway company, Ukrzaliznytsia, played a key role in facilitating their journey home. Many of those released had been held as prisoners of war since 2022. The group included:

• Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel,
• National Guard fighters,
• State Border Guard Service representatives,
• and civilians.

Negotiations and the Exchange's Significance

This exchange was made possible through negotiations held in Abu Dhabi, which successfully secured an agreement for a total swap of 314 prisoners. In a statement, the Ukrzaliznytsia press service welcomed the returnees, saying:

“Welcome back. Thank you for your endurance and courage. You are home.”

Such swaps are a critical component of humanitarian efforts during armed conflict, directly returning people who have endured hardship and danger to their families. This event underscores the ongoing importance of international diplomacy in addressing human suffering caused by the war. The return of both military personnel and civilians holds profound social and emotional significance for Ukrainian society, which continues to endure immense strain.