Russia And Ukraine Swap Hundreds More Prisoners, Hours After Massive Attack On Kyiv

In a rare moment of cooperation amidst failed ceasefire attempts, Russia and Ukraine conducted a significant prisoner exchange on Saturday. The swap involved the return of 307 soldiers from each side following a large-scale Russian attack on Kyiv that resulted in 15 injuries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russia’s defense ministry confirmed the exchange and expressed plans for further swaps in the coming days.

The overnight assault on Kyiv involved 14 ballistic missiles and 250 drones launched by Russia, with Ukrainian forces successfully intercepting several. The attack resulted in damage to residential buildings and injuries in various districts of the city. Ukrainian officials highlighted the urgent need for increased sanctions on Moscow to expedite the peace process.

The prisoner exchange, part of a complex agreement to swap 1,000 detainees from each side, marked the first phase of the deal. Despite the swap, hostilities continued along the front line, with no signs of a ceasefire. Efforts to reach a long-term peace agreement remained challenging as both parties remained at odds over key conditions.

European leaders criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for stalling peace negotiations while escalating military actions in Ukraine. The recent Istanbul meeting highlighted the significant gaps between the conflicting parties in achieving a peaceful resolution. Amid ongoing diplomatic maneuvers, the prospects for a sustainable ceasefire and comprehensive peace agreement remained uncertain.