Russia and Ukraine kept releasing their largest number of prisoners since the beginning of their war, releasing 307 soldiers each on Saturday, the second day of a multi-day prisoner swap intended to release about 1,000 detainees from both armies. The exchange indicates that there may be a thaw in the frosty relations and renewed optimism about peace talks.
The exchange was confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russia’s Defense Ministry and was reported in updates on Telegram, with both hailing further releases as a possibility. “Tomorrow we expect more,” Zelenskyy posted, indicating the final aim was to return all captive Ukrainians home.
Footage from Zelenskyy’s office showed emotional scenes of freed Ukrainian soldiers arriving at a meeting point inside Ukraine. The soldiers were seen embracing, wrapped in the blue and yellow national flags. Some appeared tearful, supported by military personnel and greeted with cellphones to contact family. One soldier was heard saying, “I can’t believe I’m home.”
At the same time, Russian media posted videos of their released soldiers arriving and standing proudly with Russian flags, as well as Soviet and imperial flags.
The prisoner exchange comes on top of an initial release last Friday, in which 390 people on both sides, including 120 civilians, were released. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Russia would submit a draft peace agreement once the exchange is through.
This act of charity comes in the face of persistent hostilities, as Kyiv was targeted by Russian drone and missile strikes overnight Friday night, leaving 15 people injured.
The swap was the result of talks in Istanbul on May 16, prompted by diplomatic pressure from such quarters as US President Donald Trump, who has called the exchange a positive first step toward a peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv.
While the process goes on, both countries want to show good faith while dealing with the realities of their conflict.
