Russia and Ukraine began a major prisoner exchange on Friday, expected to involve 1,000 soldiers from each side at the Ukraine-Belarus border.
So far, 270 Russian soldiers and 120 civilians were exchanged for the same number of Ukrainians.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said more swaps are expected “in the coming days.”
The deal followed recent talks in Istanbul — the first direct meeting since 2022. While no ceasefire was reached, both sides agreed to the swap.
Though such exchanges have occurred before, this is set to be the largest so far.
Prisoner swaps remain one of the few points of agreement in the ongoing war.
Fighting continues. Overnight, Russia launched 175 drones and one missile. Ukraine said it shot down 150 drones, but damage was reported in several regions.
Earlier this week, Ukraine downed 63 of 76 Russian drones. Russia claimed it destroyed 162 Ukrainian drones in return.
(ABC NEWS)
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