In this photo taken from video released by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Saturday, May 24, 2025, Russian servicemen react in a bus upon arrival to Chkalovsky airport, outside Moscow, Russia, after returning from captivity by a POWs exchange between Russia and Ukraine.
AP/Russian Defense Ministry Press Service
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AP/Russian Defense Ministry Press Service
KYIV, Ukraine — Russia and Ukraine swapped hundreds of prisoners on Saturday in a rare moment of cooperation amidst ongoing conflict.
The exchange occurred following a large-scale Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv, resulting in casualties and damage in the city.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russia’s defense ministry confirmed the exchange of soldiers, with further releases planned in the coming days.
Despite the prisoner swap, battles continued along the front line, highlighting the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
International efforts for peace talks have faced challenges, with key conditions for ending the fighting remaining unresolved.