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Ukraine and Russia conducted a major prisoner swap May 23, releasing 390 individuals in the first phase of a broader agreement brokered during recent negotiations in Turkey.
“We are bringing our people home,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on social media. “The first stage of the ‘1000-for-1000’ exchange agreement has been carried out. This agreement was reached during the meeting in Turkey, and it is crucial to implement it in full.”
“Today – 390 people. On Saturday and Sunday, we expect the exchange to continue,” he added. “Thank you to everyone who is helping and working 24/7 to bring Ukrainian men and women back home. It is very important to return everyone who remains in captivity. We are verifying every surname, every detail about each person.”
The swap reportedly took place near the Belarus-Ukraine border, according to a senior Ukrainian official who spoke with the Associated Press.
President Donald Trump welcomed the news on Truth Social, writing, “A major prisoners swap was just completed between Russia and Ukraine. It will go into effect shortly. Congratulations to both sides on this negotiation. This could lead to something big???”
The deal follows a two-hour call earlier this week between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump said the call went “very well,” adding, “Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War.”
Putin later confirmed that Russia is preparing a memorandum on a potential peace accord.
“We have agreed with the president of the United States that Russia will propose and is ready to work with the Ukrainian side on a memorandum,” he told reporters, following Trump’s announcement.
Meanwhile, in comments to reporters earlier this week, Vice President JD Vance warned that the US may step back if negotiations fail to result in progress.
“If you’re willing to stop the killing, the United States is willing to be a partner for peace,” Vance said in a message to both nations’ leaders.
