Russia and Ukraine agree largest prisoner swap of war
Russia and Ukraine have agreed a prisoner swap to free hundreds of soldiers, the first time in five months the two sides have struck such a deal.
In a diplomatic breakthrough that came amid an escalation in hostilities, Ukraine secured the release of 230 hostages and freed 248 Russian prisoners in return — the largest exchange since the beginning of the war.
The “complex” negotiations were successful thanks to the United Arab Emirates, which acted as an intermediary.
President Zelensky said the freed prisoners included Ukrainian soldiers who defended the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol and Snake Island in the Black Sea.
“Thank you to everyone who, despite all the difficulties, brings our people home! We will do everything to return all our people who are
