Ukraine and Russia have begun an exchange. The subjects of the exchange are young people under 25 and the seriously injured.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram on the 9th (local time), "The exchange began today," adding, "It will take place gradually over the next few days."
Ukraine and Russia had previously agreed on the 2nd to exchange around 1,200 prisoners and the bodies of deceased soldiers in Istanbul, Turkey. However, there has been conflict over the exchange schedule. Russia claimed that the exchange was set to begin on the 7th but asserted that Ukraine postponed it without notice. In contrast, Ukraine maintained that no agreement on the schedule had been reached.
After some difficulties, the two countries started the exchange on this day. The number of individuals exchanged on the first day is not confirmed, but it is reported that both sides exchanged the same number of prisoners.
President Zelensky noted, "The process of exchange is complex and involves many sensitive issues," and added, "Negotiations happen daily."