Hey everyone! In a major update that’s catching attention worldwide, Russia and Ukraine wrapped up the largest prisoner swap so far. On Sunday, each side exchanged 303 prisoners following key talks in Istanbul, Türkiye. This milestone comes as part of ongoing efforts to ease tensions amid a conflict that has been active since 2022. 😊
This three-day exchange event is not the first of its kind. Previously, there was a swap of 270 soldiers and 120 civilians on Friday, followed by a 307-for-307 military personnel exchange on Saturday. In total, these operations mark the 65th prisoner swap between the two sides, showing both a commitment to dialogue and the complex reality of the conflict.
The Russian Defense Ministry noted that its 303 returning servicemen, retrieved from Kyiv-controlled territory, have now been moved to the Republic of Belarus where they’re receiving essential psychological and medical care. On the other side, Ukrainian personnel from the Armed Forces, National Guard, State Border Guard, and other key services have been freed, adding yet another layer of progress in the indirect talks.
While these exchanges aren’t a full solution to the ongoing challenges, they are seen as hopeful steps towards reducing tensions and possibly paving the way for more diplomatic breakthroughs. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
