Prisoner exchange praised as step towards freedom by Ukrainian president

Ukraine has celebrated the return of 95 of its soldiers who have been freed from Russian captivity in the latest PoW exchange.

President Volodymyr Zelensky praised those responsible for negotiating the exchange, which also saw an equal number of Russian prisoners released.

"Every time Ukraine rescues its people from Russian captivity, we move closer to the day when freedom will be restored to all those in Russian captivity," he said.

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The president said: "Ninety-five of our people are back at home. Soldiers who defended Mariupol and Azovstal, Donetsk region, Luhansk region, Kharkiv region, Kyiv region, Chernihiv region and Kherson region.

"Thanks to the search and release team.

"We are doing everything to extract all our people who are being held by Russia.

"Thanks to the soldiers who replenish the exchange fund and to all partners who help."

Footage showed both Ukrainian and Russian soldiers being reunited with their families and colleagues.

The Russian MOD confirmed the return of its PoWs and stated all freed prisoners would receive necessary psychological and medical care as well as the opportunity to contact their relatives.

"During the return of the Russian servicemen from captivity, humanitarian mediation efforts were provided by the United Arab Emirates," said the Russian MOD.