The Russian Ministry of Defense announced on Wednesday that "195 Russian soldiers have been recovered from Ukrainian captivity in exchange for the same number of Ukrainian prisoners." The Russian defense stated in a press release that "the released soldiers will be transported by military transport planes of the Russian Space Forces to Moscow for treatment and rehabilitation at medical facilities affiliated with the Ministry of Defense, and all those released will receive the necessary medical and psychological assistance." The Russian defense had previously announced the return of 248 Russian soldiers from captivity on January 3, following complex negotiations and thanks to Emirati mediation.