Russia and Ukraine exchange prisoners but peace talks appear stalled
Moscow and Kyiv have agreed to exchange 500 prisoners of war (POWs) each by Fri, Oct 20, 2023, despite the lack of progress in peace talks.
Moscow and Kyiv have agreed to exchange 500 prisoners of war (POWs) each by Fri, Oct 20, 2023, despite the lack of progress in peace talks.
On Thu, Oct 19, 2023, 200 Russian POWs were released as part of the exchange agreement, reciprocated by Kyiv with an equivalent number of Ukrainian fighters. This exchange was finalized during discussions held in Geneva last month.
The total exchange involves 500 POWs from each side, with the remaining individuals scheduled for release by Fri, Oct 20, 2023.
Moscow and Kyiv have agreed to exchange 500 prisoners of war (POWs) each by Fri, Oct 20, 2023, despite the lack of progress in peace talks.
Peace talks have reached an impasse four years into the conflict. The Geneva negotiations represented the third round of discussions this year involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, with territorial disputes remaining a critical issue.
Kyiv is unwilling to cede control over areas in the eastern Donetsk region not currently under Russian control, despite external pressure to reach a settlement. President Zelenskyy of Ukraine has emphasized that ending the war remains his top priority and is committed to pursuing diplomatic efforts.
The ongoing conflict has been complicated by rising energy prices, attributed to the situation in Iran, which has bolstered Russia's capacity to benefit from energy exports and sustain its military operations in Ukraine.
Based on reporting by Africanews.