On Dec.27, Ukraine and Russian-run so-called Luhansk and Donetsk people’s republics conducted its largest prisoner exchange since war broke out in the Eastern-Ukrainian region of the Donbas in 2014. In total, 73 Ukrainians who have been held hostage in the occupied territories of eastern Ukraine were released, the press service of the Verkhovna Rada reports. In turn, Ukraine handed over 233 citizens who were detained, being tried or already sentenced in Ukraine. Initially, the 74-to-306 swap was planned, but one Ukrainian servicewoman refused to return home, so did 73 persons who decided to remain in free Ukraine. The second stage of the all-to-all swap is planned for the next year, 29 more Ukrainian hostages can be released.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
EuroMaidan press: Largest prisoner swap in Donbas – 73 Ukrainians released from captivity of Russian-run ‘republics’
A woman waves Ukrainian flag as friends and relatives of Ukrainian prisoners of war meet in Kyiv after prisoners exchange.
