KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia and Ukraine participated in significant prisoner exchanges on Sunday, completing a major swap that showcased an unusual moment of cooperation amidst ongoing, unsuccessful attempts to negotiate a ceasefire in the prolonged conflict. This marked the third and final phase of a significant exchange.
Hours prior, the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, along with other regions, experienced a massive attack involving drones and missiles from Russia, resulting in at least 12 fatalities and numerous injuries. Ukrainian officials described this incident as the largest aerial offense since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, each side exchanged 303 soldiers, following a swap of 307 combatants and civilians each on Saturday, and 390 on Friday, culminating in the largest exchange of the conflict thus far.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the exchange on social media, sharing that “303 Ukrainian defenders are home.” He noted that the returning troops were from various forces, including the Armed Forces and the National Guard. Families awaiting the return of their loved ones were filled with emotion; Nataliya Borovyk, a sister of a released soldier, expressed overwhelming joy at her brother’s return.
In discussions held in Istanbul earlier this month—marking the first direct talks for peace—the two nations agreed to a massive undertaking to swap 1,000 prisoners each. However, this exchange has been their only concrete outcome.
Largest Aerial Assault Since Invasion
The recent assaults have demonstrated an unprecedented scale, with Russia deploying 367 drones and missiles as per Yuriy Ihnat, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s Air Force. The barrage, occurring during Kyiv Day celebrations, struck over 30 cities and villages, including major regions like Zhytomyr and Odesa. President Zelenskyy urged Western nations to increase sanctions against Russia, indicating that a lack of global pressure only emboldens the aggressor.
Continuing Violence Despite Exchange
While the prisoner exchange marks the largest involving civilians, the fighting continues unabated along the front lines, where thousands of soldiers are lost every day. Despite ongoing exchanges, the fights persist, with Russia reporting territorial gains in various regions.
As the war carries on, the emotional toll on families and communities continues to rise. The devastation from attacks has left countless homes destroyed and families mourning their losses, highlighting the tragic human cost of this ongoing conflict.
