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Ukraine and Russia traded hundreds of prisoners on Saturday in the second phase of a massive exchange between the nations.
Both sides released 307 military personnel the day after 390 combatants and civilians were released in phase one on Friday.
“Among those who returned today are soldiers from our Army, the provincial border department and Ukrainian National Guard,” Ukrainian Voldimia Zelenki told the official telegram channel.
The majority of Ukrainian soldiers who were released were taken prisoner in the Donetsk region for a long time until 2022, the Ukrainian leader said at an additional video address.
He added that others were captured in the territory of the regions of Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv and Luhansk.
A total of 697 Ukrainians are expected to return home in the last two days, with a third prisoner swap expected to take place on Sunday, making it the biggest swap in the year’s conflict.
Kiev and Moscow agreed to trade 1,000 prisoners from each side during discussions in Istanbul last week. It marks a rare moment of cooperation between the two countries that failed to multi-pay to reach a ceasefire agreement.
However, the swap did not stop the fight. On Saturday, at least 15 people were injured and residential buildings and shopping malls were damaged by a massive Russian drone and missile attack on Kiev.
“Russia is filled with fear and murder every day. It’s just dragging out the war,” Zelensky said on Saturday at the video address.
“”Ukraine is prepared for all forms of diplomacy that will bring real results. We are prepared for every step that can guarantee true security. Russia is not ready for anything. Next week should be time for action aimed at increasing pressure on Russia. In other words, it is intended to ensure peace. ”
