Ukraine and Russia exchange 103 prisoners of war each, Zelenskyy says

Wednesday, August 19, 2026Confirmed

World Desk

Street view in a Ukrainian city — Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) — Kryvyi Rih street view used as Ukraine context (not a POW release photo)

What we know

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Aug. 19 that Ukraine brought home 103 prisoners of war in the latest exchange with Russia. Russia’s defence ministry said it received 103 Russian service members in the same swap, according to Kyiv Independent’s war latest.

What's confirmed

Zelenskyy announced 103 Ukrainian POWs returned Aug. 19.
Russian MoD stated the reciprocal return of 103 Russian personnel.

What's still developing

Broader detainee lists and future exchange rounds are not detailed in the day’s public tallies.

Sources

Kyiv Independent — POW exchange reporting link