Russia and Ukraine exchange hundreds of prisoners | BBC News

Russia and Ukraine say they have exchanged hundreds of captured soldiers - the first such swap since the crash of a Russian plane that Moscow claimed had 65 prisoners of war on board.

Russia's military says each side got 195 soldiers back on Wednesday.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky says 207 Ukrainian soldiers and civilians were returned.

Kyiv has questioned Moscow's claim that Ukrainian prisoners of war were on the plane that was shot down by Ukraine last week.

#Russia #Ukraine #BBCNews

[wintersky_]

It is heartbreaking to watch the tears. Pray that the war ends before more lives are torn apart. If you don't believe in prayer, make room in your heart to hear another's.

[Unfiltered-gbvh]

I have an uncomfortable feeling when a Reporter says that Ukraine and Russia are at war… Russia invaded Ukraine and, Ukraine is defending itself! That sounds about accurate…

[bartholomewshirima]

The worst is waiting them when they are forced back to the frontlines again...😢😢😢😢😢

[boelensds]

Love how the reporter on the ground made clear that nothing was and is confirmed about the downed plane and prisoners eledegly on board

[Reklawization]

Would like to see the russian side for when their prisoners get back.

[evelina]

So happy for those returned, hope they can recover 🙏

[princeobedainoo]

War is Not Good . WAR IS NOT GOOD. WAR IS NOT GOOD.
😢😢😢

[trevorsutherland]

Russia only released Azov members who were not found to have committed any "crimes" (according to them). Many of these POWs were taken early in the war in Kherson and were Azov. The ones that were officers or found to have done bad things were given long (20+ year) prison sentences in Russia. These POWs were either cleared or not Azov just regular AFU.

[DedCert]

I wish both countries could see the good will from both sides here and stop the war.

[paulmasterson]

Thanks to your correspondent for correcting the announcer who simply repeated uncorroberated Russian claims.

[herbh]

i think the Ukrainians know very well what "happened" to that plane... 🙄

i hate this wrong play they are doing.

[bhubankumarchhetri]

Why don’t you show the Russian captive soilders who re united in Russia ??

[peterxyz]

EVIDENCE?!?!??!? Where is the evidence (bodies on the ground) of Ukrainian POW in the downed plane?

[Saldana]

Dear BBC - There is no proof the plane had Ukrainian POW !! Try and do a better job!

[steveblanchard]

When will we hear that this exchange should have been last week?

[munkombwestanley]

When the plane went down, Ukraine claimed responsibility but after that you are saying Ukraine has nothing to do with the what happened to the plane!!

[mariadelasnievesmartinezmo]

Is wonderful see the emotion and the excitement on those men to be back on their country. Very, very happy for them. God bless you Ukrainia

[juliec]

The guy that lied on the ground coming out of the bus looked really thin 😢

[nunson]

May God end this War between theses Brothers .

[lidiia_s]

I was crying 😢 now Ukrainian solders are at home 💙💛