The liberation of Ukrainian citizens, many of whom have remained prisoners of Russia in prisons and colonies for years, initially causes a completely natural emotional reaction of joy and fellowship within any normal person. However, the emotional aspect is beyond the scope of analytical commentary. Our task is to understand the motives of the parties and the possible consequences of the exchange.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
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Vitaliy Portnikov: The goals of Zelensky and Putin for the ‘Big Exchange’
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky greets ex-prisoners during Russia-Ukraine prisoner swap, at Boryspil International Airport, outside Kyiv, on Sept. 7, 2019.
