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Key Points

Russia and Ukraine have completed a significant prisoner exchange involving 390 captives from each side. The swap was initially negotiated during talks in Istanbul, marking a rare moment of diplomatic cooperation. Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed the exchange and expressed hope for continued negotiations. This prisoner swap represents a potential small step towards reducing tensions in the ongoing conflict.

Key Points: Russia Ukraine Massive POW Swap Zelensky Confirms 390 Prisoners

  • Russia and Ukraine swap 390 prisoners each in largest exchange
  • Negotiations happened in Istanbul diplomatic talks
  • Prisoners receive medical and psychological support
  • Zelensky commits to further diplomatic efforts
2 min read

Russia, Ukraine conduct large-scale POW swap, each 390 people

Major prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine sees 390 captives released under Istanbul talks, marking significant diplomatic breakthrough

"On Saturday and Sunday, we expect the exchange to continue - Volodymyr Zelensky"

Moscow, May 24

Russia and Ukraine have conducted a major prisoner swap, exchanging 390 prisoners each under an agreement reached during recent talks in Istanbul, according to the Russian Defence Ministry.

The defence ministry on Friday said 270 Russian servicemen and 120 civilians have returned from territory controlled by Kyiv.

In return, 270 Ukrainian prisoners and 120 civilians have also been released, it added.

The freed Russian prisoners are on the territory of the Republic of Belarus, where they are being provided with necessary psychological and medical assistance, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting the ministry.

"The large-scale exchange initiated by the Russian side is planned to continue in the coming days," according to the ministry.

Ukraine and Russia reached a deal on the largest swap of their captives during a meeting in Turkey's Istanbul on May 16.

Following their direct negotiations in Istanbul last week, Russia and Ukraine agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners each, marking the largest prisoner swap since the start of the conflict in 2022.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also announced that 390 Ukrainians returned home from captivity during the first stage of a prisoner exchange with Russia under the "1,000 for 1,000 formula".

"On Saturday and Sunday, we expect the exchange to continue," Zelensky wrote on social media platform X.

The Ukrainian President also emphasised that Ukraine will continue diplomatic efforts to return all its citizens who are still held in captivity.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is a positive step towards peace. As a neutral observer, India has always advocated for dialogue over conflict. Hope this prisoner exchange leads to more humanitarian gestures from both sides. 🙏
P
Priya M.
While this is good news, I can't help but think about the thousands still suffering in this war. India should continue its balanced approach - providing humanitarian aid while maintaining relations with both nations. Our foreign policy wisdom is being tested.
A
Amit S.
Turkey's role as mediator is interesting. Maybe India could also play such a role? We have good relations with Russia and growing ties with Ukraine. Just a thought...
N
Neha T.
Every life matters! Glad to see families being reunited. But let's not forget - this war has disrupted global food supplies and affected countries like ours through rising prices. Hope peace comes soon for everyone's sake.
V
Vikram J.
The scale of this exchange is massive! 1000 for 1000 is unprecedented. Shows how brutal this conflict has been. Makes me appreciate our relative stability in South Asia despite all our challenges.
S
Sunita R.
While this is good news, I'm concerned about the Indian students still stuck in Ukraine. Our government should negotiate for their safe return too. Many families are still worried.

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