Ukraine begins first stage of prisoner swap below Istanbul settlement

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Ukraine has begun a big prisoner change with Russia as a part of a deal reached throughout current peace talks in Istanbul, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on June 9.

"Ukrainians are coming residence from Russian captivity," Zelensky stated in a press release. "At this time the change started and can proceed in a number of phases over the approaching days. Amongst these being returned now are wounded and severely wounded prisoners, in addition to these below 25."

The swap marks the primary stage of the settlement negotiated on the second spherical of direct Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul on June 2.

The Coordination Headquarters for the Remedy of Prisoners of Struggle stated the primary group of launched prisoners contains personnel from Ukraine's Navy, Floor Forces, Air Pressure, Nationwide Guard, Border Guard Service, Territorial Protection, and State Particular Transport Service.

Amongst these freed are defenders of Mariupol who had spent greater than three years in captivity. All these returned on this stage are enlisted and noncommissioned troopers, officers stated.

Ukraine expects to exchange 500 POWs in next swap with Russia, Zelensky saysUkraine will bring home a total of 500 prisoners of war (POW) from Russian captivity in a prisoner exchange with Russia on June 7 and 8, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a meeting with journalists on June 4 attended by the Kyiv Independent.The Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek