Ukraine, Russia carry out first stage of prisoner swap

Ukraine and Russia began the first stage of a multi-phase prisoner exchange, repatriating servicemen under the age of 25, following a humanitarian agreement reached during peace talks.

On Monday, the first phase of a prisoner swap agreed on in Istanbul on June 2 took place, involving young military prisoners and severely wounded individuals.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the exchange in his evening address, emphasizing a phased approach over several days and thanking all parties involved.

Although specific numbers were undisclosed, both nations affirmed an equal exchange of prisoners.

Despite conflicting claims over the exchange between the two nations the previous day, the exchange marks hope for broader negotiations aimed at exchanging at least 1,200 prisoners from each side and repatriating fallen soldiers.