Russia, Ukraine prepare for next swaps of prisoners, civilians

Russia and Ukraine are preparing for another round of prisoner and civilian exchanges, Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova said.

She noted that the dialogue is coordinated through the Ministry of Defence and intelligence agencies, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

“Usually the date is not announced. There are many factors involved in resolving this issue. Negotiations are underway. Real lists exist today,” Moskalkova told journalists.

The Russian ombudsman added that her office communicates with the Human Rights Commissioner of Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada on this matter. In particular, discussions include the return of seven residents of Russia’s Kursk region, who, according to Moskalkova, have been held in Ukraine for over a year.

The last prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine took place on March 6, when both sides swapped troops under a “300-for-300” formula. A day earlier, a “200-for-200” exchange was carried out.

By Khagan Isayev