Russia And Ukraine Swap Hundreds Of Prisoners, Hours After Moscow’s Largest Missile-And-Drone Attack

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia and Ukraine completed the final stage of a significant prisoner swap on Sunday, marking a rare moment of cooperation amidst ongoing struggles to achieve a ceasefire in the lengthy conflict.

Prior to the exchange, Kyiv and other areas in Ukraine faced a massive assault involving Russian drones and missiles, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 individuals and numerous injuries. Ukrainian officials deemed it the most extensive aerial attack since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

In the swap, Russia and Ukraine each traded 303 soldiers, following the release of 307 combatants and civilians on Saturday, and 390 on Friday — marking the largest prisoner exchange of the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the completion of Sunday’s exchange, expressing relief that “303 Ukrainian defenders are home.”

The exchange came as a small victory amid the ongoing conflict, with battles continuing along the extensive front line where both sides have suffered significant losses. Despite the prisoner swap, the fighting shows no signs of abating as both countries remain entrenched in deep strikes and military offensives.

The recent prisoner exchange represented a significant moment in an otherwise tumultuous period, as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate with no clear resolution in sight.