Russia and Ukraine exchanged about 175 prisoners from each side, before the Easter truce.

Russia and Ukraine carried out an exchange of 350 prisoners of war on Saturday, with each side handing over 175 soldiers.

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that on April 11, 175 Russian soldiers were repatriated from territory controlled by Kiev, while Ukraine received back 175 prisoners, including seven civilians. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that among those exchanged are also wounded individuals, most of whom have been in captivity since 2022. The youngest person released is 22 years old, and the oldest is 63 years old.

Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine will respect the ceasefire that comes into effect on Saturday afternoon, but will respond "strike for strike" to any violation from Russia.