Hope Amidst War: 1,000 Prisoners Exchanged in Largest POW Swap Since 2022

The largest prisoner-of-war exchange between Russia and Ukraine since the beginning of the war has taken place, involving 1,000 prisoners. The exchange, which began Friday, included 120 Ukrainian civilians and 307 soldiers. On Saturday, 307 more soldiers were exchanged, bringing the total to 1000. The event took place amidst an ongoing conflict and following a Russian overnight bombardment of Kyiv. Eyewitnesses described the emotional reunions of families, many holding pictures of their missing loved ones, hoping to identify family members among the released prisoners. "It was an overwhelming moment to see my son again," said one woman, whose son was among those released. The exchange is significant as it represents the first direct ceasefire negotiations since the early days of the 2022 invasion. The event offers a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing conflict.