Ukraine and Russia exchange more than 400 POWs

The Russian Defense Ministry reported a prisoner exchange with Ukraine involving hundreds of prisoners of war. Specifically, 205 troops from each side returned home on Tuesday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later shared on social media that the released prisoners came from “almost all types and branches of the Armed Forces” and included fighters from “Mariupol and the entire front line” who had been “scattered across many Russian regions.”

"Every day, we fight for our people. We will do everything to bring each and every one of them home," the president promised after thanking the United Arab Emirates for its mediation.

The prisoner swap comes just days before a unilateral three-day ceasefire declared by Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the truth as "a theatrical gesture" saying, “It is impossible to reach any understanding in three, five, or seven days (...) It is impossible to devise a plan to define the next steps toward ending the war.”

Russia responded by accusing the Ukrainian president of having “hit rock bottom,” claiming he was endangering the security of those attending the Victory Day celebrations commemorating the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II. The proposed ceasefire is set for May 8–10, with the main celebration taking place on May 9.

In addition to Russian officials, citizens, and veterans, Kremlin spokesmen confirmed the attendance of 29 international leaders. Among them are Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, China’s Xi Jinping, Cuba’s Miguel Díaz-Canel, and Polish Prime Minister Robert Fico. Military formations from 13 countries—including China and Vietnam—are also expected to take part in the parade.

The Kremlin also stated that the temporary cease-fire would serve as a rehearsal for a potential permanent end to the war.

Kiev has yet to endorse the temporary truce. In recent hours, it launched 105 drones targeting Moscow, forcing the closure of several airports.