Ukraine and Russia exchange prisoners in landmark deal
A long-awaited exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine has been completed, BBC reported. Planes from the two countries brought the freed inmates to Moscow and Kiev.
A total of 70 prisoners were involved, including 24 Ukrainian sailors, journalists and - controversially - a "person of interest" over the downing of a plane which killed 298 people.
In April Ukrainians elected a new president. Volodymyr Zelensky said his top priority was to end the conflict. Russian officials have said progress towards a prisoner release is vital for improving the "atmosphere surrounding a settlement of the Ukrainian crisis".
Negotiations on the extremely sensitive issue were held in complete secrecy, with both Ukrainian and Russian officials stressing that any leaks could derail the swap.