Ukraine and Russia initiated the largest prisoner swap of the ongoing war, returning nearly 800 captives in a multi-day operation. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the return of 390 individuals to Russia, emphasizing the importance of repatriating all individuals. This exchange was part of a broader agreement for 1,000 individuals to be swapped, resulting from ineffective peace talks in Turkey. Released prisoners were welcomed by families, while the Russian side claimed to have returned a mix of military personnel and civilians. The exchange represents a significant humanitarian effort but did not signal an end to hostilities.
The exchange, which is also the biggest swap of Ukrainian civilians at one time, didn't appear to herald any imminent halt in fighting.
Images from the arrival of returned Ukrainian PoWs showed shaven-headed former prisoners being greeted by their families.
Ukrainian president Volodmyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the first phase of the exchange had taken place, with Ukraine returning 390 people to Russia.
Zelenskyy thanked all who worked to secure their return and pledged to continue diplomatic efforts for more exchanges.
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