Largest Prisoner Exchange Since War Began: 800 Soldiers and Civilians Freed

Russia and Ukraine Complete Largest Prisoner Exchange Since War Began A significant prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine has taken place, marking the largest such event since the war began. Nearly 800 prisoners, including soldiers and civilians, were released on Friday, as confirmed by the Russian Ministry of Defense. This exchange is part of a larger agreement to swap 2,000 prisoners, 1,000 from each side. The exchange was a result of negotiations that culminated in a meeting in Istanbul last week. The video footage shows emotional reunions, emphasizing the human cost of the conflict. One released Ukrainian soldier was heard saying on a phone call: "Alive, healthy, everything is fine!" The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the released prisoners are receiving psychological and medical assistance in Belarus. The exchange is expected to continue in the coming days. This unprecedented meeting and prisoner exchange, the first of its kind in three years, offers a glimmer of hope amid the ongoing conflict.