Russia and Ukraine Exchange 50 Soldiers Each in Prison Release Deal 

Ukrainian troops gather for a photo after being released in prisoner swap with Russia, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in an unknown location, Ukraine in this handout image released January 8, 2023. (Andriy Yermak Via Telegram/Handout via Reuters)
Ukrainian troops gather for a photo after being released in prisoner swap with Russia, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in an unknown location, Ukraine in this handout image released January 8, 2023. (Andriy Yermak Via Telegram/Handout via Reuters)
TT
20

Russia and Ukraine Exchange 50 Soldiers Each in Prison Release Deal 

Ukrainian troops gather for a photo after being released in prisoner swap with Russia, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in an unknown location, Ukraine in this handout image released January 8, 2023. (Andriy Yermak Via Telegram/Handout via Reuters)
Ukrainian troops gather for a photo after being released in prisoner swap with Russia, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in an unknown location, Ukraine in this handout image released January 8, 2023. (Andriy Yermak Via Telegram/Handout via Reuters)

Russia and Ukraine swapped 50 captured soldiers each on Sunday in a deal that both sides welcomed even as they fought one another in eastern Ukraine. 

Russia's defense ministry said the 50 returned Russian soldiers would be flown to Moscow for medical and psychological rehabilitation. 

"On January 8, as a result of negotiations, 50 Russian servicemen, who were in mortal danger while in captivity, were returned from the territory controlled by the Kyiv regime," it said in a statement. 

Ukraine confirmed the information and said Russia had freed 50 Ukrainian servicemen as part of the same deal. 

"Another successful POWs (prisoners of war) swap. 50 Ukrainian soldiers are back," Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential office said on Twitter. 

"To be continued. We must bring all our people home, and we are on it." 

Yermak posted images of the freed Ukrainian soldiers holding bags of food near a bus they were about to board and a video of them singing the Ukrainian national anthem once underway. 



Kremlin Says Putin is Ready to Discuss Peace in Ukraine but Wants to Achieve Goals

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks with Alexander Avdeyev, the governor of Vladimir region, during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Friday, July 18, 2025. (Mikhail Metzel, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks with Alexander Avdeyev, the governor of Vladimir region, during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Friday, July 18, 2025. (Mikhail Metzel, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
TT
20

Kremlin Says Putin is Ready to Discuss Peace in Ukraine but Wants to Achieve Goals

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks with Alexander Avdeyev, the governor of Vladimir region, during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Friday, July 18, 2025. (Mikhail Metzel, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks with Alexander Avdeyev, the governor of Vladimir region, during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Friday, July 18, 2025. (Mikhail Metzel, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to move toward a peace settlement for Ukraine but Moscow's main objective is to achieve its goals, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told state television in a clip published on Sunday.

Peskov said that the world was now accustomed to US President Donald Trump's sometimes "harsh" rhetoric but pointed out that Trump had also underscored in comments on Russia that he would continue to search for a peace deal, Reuters said.

"President Putin has repeatedly spoken of his desire to bring the Ukrainian settlement to a peaceful conclusion as soon as possible. This is a long process, it requires effort, and it is not easy," Peskov said told state television reporter Pavel Zarubin.

"The main thing for us is to achieve our goals. Our goals are clear," Peskov said.

On Monday, Trump announced a tougher stance on Russia, pledging a new wave of military aid to Ukraine, including Patriot missile defense systems. He also gave Russia a 50-day deadline to agree to a ceasefire or face additional sanctions.