Russia, Ukraine Free First Prisoners as Part of War’s Biggest Exchange

Trump wrote on Truth Social: ‘Congratulations to both sides on this negotiation. This could lead to something big???’

Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) are seen after a swap, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, at an unknown location in Ukraine, in this handout picture released May 23, 2025. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy via Telegram/via Reuters

Russia and Ukraine released 390 prisoners each on Friday, with further releases expected over the weekend, as part the largest exchange since the war began.

Last week, the two sides agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners each, but the date had remained unknown.