Largest Prisoner Exchange Yet: 780 Soldiers Freed in Ukraine-Russia Swap

Amidst the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, a significant prisoner exchange took place on Friday, marking a rare moment of cooperation between the two warring nations. Both countries released 390 prisoners, a move that has been hailed by some as a potential step towards de-escalation, although a ceasefire agreement remains elusive. The exchange was agreed upon during talks in Istanbul last week. The video footage captures the emotional scenes of the prisoner release, showing the released Ukrainian soldiers being greeted by loved ones and draped in Ukrainian flags. One released soldier stated, "It's incredible to be home." The released Russian soldiers were subsequently taken to Belarus for medical treatment, according to the Russian Defence Ministry. Russia's Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, offered further optimism, stating that "work on ending the fighting is now at an advanced stage." This large-scale prisoner swap offers a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing conflict, showcasing the possibility of cooperation even in the midst of intense hostilities.