The major exchange was conducted following "difficult" negotiations, Moscow says
The Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday that 55 Russian and Donbass soldiers have been released as part of a major prisoner exchange with Ukraine.
The freed soldiers have been airlifted to Russia and are receiving "psychological and medical care," the ministry added.
According to the Defense Ministry, the swap occurred after "difficult" negotiations, and the detainees' lives were "under threat" in Kiev's custody.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said on Thursday that 215 Ukrainian soldiers were released, as well as 10 foreigners who were fighting alongside Ukrainian troops. Zelensky noted that Turkey and Saudi Arabia mediated the negotiations.
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