UKRAINE, RUSSIA COMPLETE PRISONER EXCHANGE

Russia and Ukraine have conducted a significant exchange of prisoners, marking the 50th such swap since the onset of the two-year-long conflict, The New York Times (NYT) reported.

- 

The move follows last week's plane crash in Russia's Belgorod region, near the Ukrainian border, with Moscow accusing Kyiv of downing a military transport carrying Ukrainian prisoners of war destined for exchange.

While the cause of the crash remains unknown, Ukrainian officials did not take any responsibility, calling for an international investigation. The incident has escalated concerns about the impact on diplomatic channels between the nations and the fate of the captured individuals. But the process of exchanging prisoners, while slowed down at times, has continued even during the most trying moments of a war that has stretched on for nearly two years, NYT reported.

Wednesday's exchange marked the 50th swap between Ukraine and Russia since the commencement of the conflict, resulting in over 3,000 Ukrainian soldiers and civilians returning home, as per Ukrainian authorities. While Russia has not officially revealed the total figure, its officials have acknowledged the return of a minimum of 1,200 soldiers, according to official statements.