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Despite stalled diplomatic efforts over ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Moscow and Kyiv are making progress on the largest prisoner swap since the conflict began. Both countries confirmed that they completed the first phase of their planned exchange, releasing 390 soldiers and civilians each, with more expected later this weekend.
This prisoner exchange, which involves the release of approximately 1,000 prisoners from each side, is part of a broader agreement reached during negotiations in Istanbul last week. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the exchange as a step toward bringing more of their citizens home, expressing optimism that "we will definitely return everyone."