Published time: 7 Sep, 2019 08:18
A Ukrainian plane carrying high-profile prisoners landed in Moscow, as the long-awaited prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine has finally begun, multiple reports indicate.
The potential major prisoner exchange has been much-discussed in recent months. The talks were difficult, with officials on both sides remaining tight-lipped about the details. Negotiations stalled several times until Putin confirmed earlier this week that they were reaching the final stage.
Из СИЗО «Лефортово» выехали два автобуса, предположительно, с украинскими военными, об освобождении которых вели переговоры Москва и Киев.
Предстоящее освобождение в ходе выступления на Восточном экономическом форуме анонсировал президент России Владимир Путин pic.twitter.com/CJpaf3bfMD
— RT на русском (@RT_russian) September 7, 2019
Putin also expressed hope that the first prisoner swap in years would pave the way for repairing the strained relations the countries have had since Crimea’s reunification with Russia in 2014 and the start of the war in eastern Ukraine.
DETAILS FO FOLLOW