Russia and Ukraine swapped accusations of breaking a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on Sunday, with both sides claiming to have suffered casualties in drone and artillery strikes over the past 24 hours.

President Trump had announced Friday that Russia and Ukraine would swap 1,000 prisoners as part of a three-day ceasefire, coinciding with the observation of Victory Day in Russia over the weekend. 

Russia: Ukraine Targeting Civilian Infra in Moscow, Belgorod & Crimea

Russia and Ukraine swapped 115 prisoners each on Saturday (Aug 24), following the United Arab Emirates (UAE) mediated&nbsp;negotiations.&nbsp;This marks the first such prisoner swap since Ukraine launched its counter-offensive in Russia in August.&nbsp;

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, "Another 115 of our defenders have returned home today. These are soldiers of the National Guard, the Armed Forces, the Navy, the State Border Guard Service." He also published photographs of men wrapped in Ukrainian flags.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Russian defence ministry said, "As a result of a negotiation process, 115 Russian servicemen taken prisoner in the Kursk region have been returned from territories controlled by the Kyiv regime."&nbsp;

Notably, this will be the seventh such exchange&nbsp;the UAE has mediated since Russia launched&nbsp;its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.&nbsp;

Abu Dhabi, a close ally of the United States, has maintained friendly relations with Russia amid its war with Ukraine, causing frustration to some Western officials. Meanwhile, it has also strengthened ties with Kyiv.&nbsp;

According to UAE officials, their ability to hold discussions with international actors means that they can effectively mediate between parties and promote cooperation and security.&nbsp;

To date, the UAE has mediated the release of 1788 Russia-Ukraine prisoners, including those who are reportedly scheduled to be released on Saturday.

<h2>At least five killed after&nbsp;Russian attack on Ukraine's&nbsp;Kostyantynivka</h2>

Russia attacked the eastern Ukrainian city of Kostyantynivka, killing five people,&nbsp;Ukraine’s prosecutor general said on Saturday.&nbsp;

“As a result of this enemy attack five residents - three men and two women - suffered fatal injuries,” the prosecutor said in a statement.

<h2>Russia wanted to 'destroy' Ukraine</h2>

Meanwhile, in an Independence video, Zelensky said Russia wanted to "destroy" Ukraine but the war has "returned to its home".

On August 6, Ukraine's military launched a surprise attack into Russia's Kursk region, marking the biggest attack inside Russian territory by any international power since the Second World War.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

Russia and Ukraine swapped 115 prisoners each on Saturday (Aug 24), following the United Arab Emirates (UAE) mediated negotiations. This marks the first such prisoner swap since Ukraine launched its counter-offensive in Russia in August.

Russia and Ukraine swapped 115 prisoners each on Saturday (Aug 24), following the United Arab Emirates (UAE) mediated negotiations. This marks the first such prisoner swap since Ukraine launched its counter-offensive in Russia in August. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, "Another 115 of our defenders have returned home today. These are soldiers of the National Guard, the Armed Forces, the Navy, the State Border Guard Service." He also published photographs of men wrapped in Ukrainian flags. Meanwhile, the Russian defence ministry said, "As a result of a negotiation process, 115 Russian servicemen taken prisoner in the Kursk region have been returned from territories controlled by the Kyiv regime." Notably, this will be the seventh such exchange the UAE has mediated since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Abu Dhabi, a close ally of the United States, has maintained friendly relations with Russia amid its war with Ukraine, causing frustration to some Western officials. Meanwhile, it has also strengthened ties with Kyiv. According to UAE officials, their ability to hold discussions with international actors means that they can effectively mediate between parties and promote cooperation and security. To date, the UAE has mediated the release of 1788 Russia-Ukraine prisoners, including those who are reportedly scheduled to be released on Saturday. At least five killed after Russian attack on Ukraine's Kostyantynivka Russia attacked the eastern Ukrainian city of Kostyantynivka, killing five people, Ukraine’s prosecutor general said on Saturday. “As a result of this enemy attack five residents - three men and two women - suffered fatal injuries,” the prosecutor said in a statement. Russia wanted to 'destroy' Ukraine Meanwhile, in an Independence video, Zelensky said Russia wanted to "destroy" Ukraine but the war has "returned to its home". On August 6, Ukraine's military launched a surprise attack into Russia's Kursk region, marking the biggest attack inside Russian territory by any international power since the Second World War. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

Russia, Ukraine swap 115 prisoners each under UAE-mediated deal amid Kursk offensive

New revelations about the historic prisoner swap between US and Russia have surfaced.

The Kremlin confirmed that some of the freed Russians were intelligence agents, and the children of a Russian spy couple were unaware of their true identity until they&nbsp;reached home.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that a detained couple released in Slovenia —Artem and Anna Dultsev— were undercover intelligence officers, known as 'illegals'.

Posing as Argentine residents, they were operating from Ljubljana, which was their base since 2017 to relay Moscow's orders to other sleeper agents. They&nbsp;were arrested on espionage charges in 2022.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-and-harris-to-welcome-freed-americans-arriving-from-russia-746431">Freed Americans return home following historic prisoner swap; Biden, Harris greet them at airport</a>

Their two children joined them as they flew to Moscow's Vnukovo Airport from Ankara, Turkey, where the mass exchange occurred. The children don't speak Russian, and only learned their parents were Russian during the flight, Peskov said.

The children also didn't know who President Vladimir Putin was, as they asked who is it greeting them," Peskov added.

"That's how illegals work, and that's the kind of sacrifices they make because of their dedication to their work," Peskov further said.

It may be mentioned here, a total of 24 prisoners were involved in Thursday's (Aug 1) historic swap —and a total of 26 people, including the spy couple's kids, changed planes on the tarmac in Ankara.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-criticises-bidens-decision-on-whelan-and-gershkovich-exchange-746425" target="_blank">Trump criticises Biden's decision on Gershkovich and Whelan exchange</a>

While the US journalists Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva and former Marine Paul Whelan were greeted by their families and President Joe Biden, VP Kamala Harris in Maryland on Thursday night.

Putin embraced each of the Russian returnees at the airport and promised them state awards.

The large-scale exchange occurs less than two years after WNBA star Brittney Griner was traded for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, known as the "Merchant of Death," at an airport in Abu Dhabi.

Griner was arrested in 2022 at a Moscow airport when vape canisters containing cannabis oil were found in her bags. She was sentenced to nine years in prison on drug charges.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-hails-release-of-wsj-reporter-evan-gershkovich-other-prisoners-from-russia-brutal-ordeal-is-over-746379" target="_blank">Biden hails release of Gershkovich, Whelan and Kurmasheva from Russia: ‘Brutal ordeal is over’</a>

While Bout, arrested in 2008, was serving a 25-year prison sentence in US for conspiring to sell weapons to individuals intending to kill Americans.

(With inputs from agencies)

New revelations about the historic prisoner swap between US and Russia have surfaced. The Kremlin confirmed that some of the freed Russians were intelligence agents, and the children of a Russian spy couple were unaware of their true identity until they reached home.

New revelations about the historic prisoner swap between US and Russia have surfaced. The Kremlin confirmed that some of the freed Russians were intelligence agents, and the children of a Russian spy couple were unaware of their true identity until they reached home. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that a detained couple released in Slovenia —Artem and Anna Dultsev— were undercover intelligence officers, known as 'illegals'. Posing as Argentine residents, they were operating from Ljubljana, which was their base since 2017 to relay Moscow's orders to other sleeper agents. They were arrested on espionage charges in 2022. Also read: Freed Americans return home following historic prisoner swap; Biden, Harris greet them at airport Their two children joined them as they flew to Moscow's Vnukovo Airport from Ankara, Turkey, where the mass exchange occurred. The children don't speak Russian, and only learned their parents were Russian during the flight, Peskov said. The children also didn't know who President Vladimir Putin was, as they asked who is it greeting them," Peskov added. "That's how illegals work, and that's the kind of sacrifices they make because of their dedication to their work," Peskov further said. It may be mentioned here, a total of 24 prisoners were involved in Thursday's (Aug 1) historic swap —and a total of 26 people, including the spy couple's kids, changed planes on the tarmac in Ankara. Also read: Trump criticises Biden's decision on Gershkovich and Whelan exchange While the US journalists Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva and former Marine Paul Whelan were greeted by their families and President Joe Biden, VP Kamala Harris in Maryland on Thursday night. Putin embraced each of the Russian returnees at the airport and promised them state awards. The large-scale exchange occurs less than two years after WNBA star Brittney Griner was traded for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, known as the "Merchant of Death," at an airport in Abu Dhabi. Griner was arrested in 2022 at a Moscow airport when vape canisters containing cannabis oil were found in her bags. She was sentenced to nine years in prison on drug charges. Also read: Biden hails release of Gershkovich, Whelan and Kurmasheva from Russia: ‘Brutal ordeal is over’ While Bout, arrested in 2008, was serving a 25-year prison sentence in US for conspiring to sell weapons to individuals intending to kill Americans. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian spies' children discovered their nationality during flight to Moscow: Kremlin

Officials in Kyiv on Monday (August 7) claimed that a woman was killed in the Ukrainian city of Kherson while two others lost their lives after Russian shelling of border areas of the Kharkiv region in the country’s northeast. Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have shot down another Ukrainian drone on Monday near its capital city of Moscow.

<h2>Russia shelling in Kherson, Kharkiv region</h2>

“A difficult night for Kherson...The Russian army continued to shell Kherson residents’ homes in the central part of the city,” said Ukrainian city’s governor Oleksandr Prokudin on Telegram. According to the Ukrainian official, the shelling had started around midnight and lasted for several hours.

This comes as the Ukrainian military has reported an increase in Russian attacks in the Kharkiv region in recent days. Notably, both the city of Kherson and parts of the Kharkiv region are directly adjacent to the front line.&nbsp;

Separately, the head of Ukraine’s presidential office, Andriy Yermak, also took to Telegram and said two civilians had been killed and three others wounded during Russian shelling of border areas of Kharkiv region on Monday morning.

The incident on Monday also comes nearly a week after Ukraine reported the death of a doctor in the Russian shelling of a Kherson hospital. Kyiv recaptured Kherson city and the surrounding region in November after months of Russian occupation.

<h2>22 soldiers return in prisoner swap with Russia: Ukraine&nbsp;</h2>

Russia and Ukraine carried out a series of prisoner exchanges on Monday, with 22 Ukrainian soldiers returning home, on Monday (August 7), said officials in Kyiv. The announcement was made by Yermak, who said that those released included two officers, sergeants and privates who fought in different parts of the front.&nbsp;

In a video posted on Telegram, soldiers wrapped in blue and yellow Ukrainian flags posing for pictures and shouting “Glory to Ukraine”. According to the Ukrainian official, some servicemen were also injured.&nbsp;

“Today we have returned 22 Ukrainian fighters home from captivity,” said Yermak. The oldest of them was 54 years old and the youngest 23, he added. However, there is no immediate comment from Moscow about the recent prisoner exchange.

<h2>Russia claims to have shot down drone near Moscow</h2>

In a recently reported rise of drone attacks in and around Moscow, Russia, on Monday (August 7) claimed that it shot down a Ukrainian drone southwest of the capital city. The incident is said to have taken place in Kaluga region, less than 200 kilometres from Moscow.&nbsp;

Addressing the supposed encounter, Russian regional governor Vladislav Shapsha took to Telegram and wrote that it “affected neither people nor infrastructure”. He also said that the drone was shot down by the anti-aircraft defence system in the Ferzikovsky district overnight.

&nbsp;Last week, on Thursday, Russia said that it shot down seven drones over the region, which did not result in any reported casualties. This also comes a day after Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said a drone targeting the Russian capital had been shot down by the city’s air defences.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Officials in Kyiv on Monday (August 7) claimed that a woman was killed in the Ukrainian city of Kherson while two others lost their lives after Russian shelling of border areas of the Kharkiv region in the country’s northeast.

Officials in Kyiv on Monday (August 7) claimed that a woman was killed in the Ukrainian city of Kherson while two others lost their lives after Russian shelling of border areas of the Kharkiv region in the country’s northeast. Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have shot down another Ukrainian drone on Monday near its capital city of Moscow. Russia shelling in Kherson, Kharkiv region “A difficult night for Kherson...The Russian army continued to shell Kherson residents’ homes in the central part of the city,” said Ukrainian city’s governor Oleksandr Prokudin on Telegram. According to the Ukrainian official, the shelling had started around midnight and lasted for several hours. This comes as the Ukrainian military has reported an increase in Russian attacks in the Kharkiv region in recent days. Notably, both the city of Kherson and parts of the Kharkiv region are directly adjacent to the front line. Separately, the head of Ukraine’s presidential office, Andriy Yermak, also took to Telegram and said two civilians had been killed and three others wounded during Russian shelling of border areas of Kharkiv region on Monday morning. The incident on Monday also comes nearly a week after Ukraine reported the death of a doctor in the Russian shelling of a Kherson hospital. Kyiv recaptured Kherson city and the surrounding region in November after months of Russian occupation. 22 soldiers return in prisoner swap with Russia: Ukraine Russia and Ukraine carried out a series of prisoner exchanges on Monday, with 22 Ukrainian soldiers returning home, on Monday (August 7), said officials in Kyiv. The announcement was made by Yermak, who said that those released included two officers, sergeants and privates who fought in different parts of the front. In a video posted on Telegram, soldiers wrapped in blue and yellow Ukrainian flags posing for pictures and shouting “Glory to Ukraine”. According to the Ukrainian official, some servicemen were also injured. “Today we have returned 22 Ukrainian fighters home from captivity,” said Yermak. The oldest of them was 54 years old and the youngest 23, he added. However, there is no immediate comment from Moscow about the recent prisoner exchange. Russia claims to have shot down drone near Moscow In a recently reported rise of drone attacks in and around Moscow, Russia, on Monday (August 7) claimed that it shot down a Ukrainian drone southwest of the capital city. The incident is said to have taken place in Kaluga region, less than 200 kilometres from Moscow. Addressing the supposed encounter, Russian regional governor Vladislav Shapsha took to Telegram and wrote that it “affected neither people nor infrastructure”. He also said that the drone was shot down by the anti-aircraft defence system in the Ferzikovsky district overnight. Last week, on Thursday, Russia said that it shot down seven drones over the region, which did not result in any reported casualties. This also comes a day after Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said a drone targeting the Russian capital had been shot down by the city’s air defences. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

At least three killed after Russian shelling in Kherson, Kharkiv region: Ukraine

Kyiv has secured the release of more than 100 of its captured soldiers in a prisoner exchange with Russia on Thursday (May 25), said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff. Meanwhile, Russia’s Wagner mercenary group said they would send back the bodies of two United States and Turkey citizens from Ukraine.&nbsp;

Speaking about the conflict, US Army General Mark Milley said Russia will not achieve military victory in Ukraine but also warned Kyiv that it is unlikely to force out all of Moscow’s troops anytime soon.&nbsp;

<h2>Russia to release over 100 Ukrainian soldiers: Kyiv&nbsp;</h2>

The Ukrainian president Zelensky’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak said that Kyiv has secured the release of 106 soldiers, of whom eight were captured fighting in the city of Bakhmut, which has witnessed some of the bloodiest battles of the conflict. “Every one of them is a hero of our state,” said Yermak.&nbsp;

He added, “Many of the ones we are returning from captivity were considered missing. The relatives of these people have gone through a difficult time.”

While, Russia’s human rights ombudsman, Tatiana Moskalkova, confirmed that Russia’s mercenary group Wagner which earlier Thursday began withdrawing from Bakhmut, took part in an exchange of fighters, no further details were given.&nbsp;

According to Ukrainian officials, so far, at least 2,430 Ukrainians have been freed in prisoner swaps out of which nearly 140 were civilians.&nbsp;

<h2>Wagner send back bodies of US, Turkish citizens</h2>

The head of the Wagner group Yevgeny Prigozhin, on Thursday, said that they&nbsp;are sending back the bodies of a US citizen who was killed in fighting in the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut and the body of a Turkish citizen who was found dead in a building that was blown up.&nbsp;

“We are returning the body of an American and the body of a citizen of Turkey along with prisoners,” said Prigozhin. The announcement was made by him in a video clip which showed two wooden coffins one of which was draped with the US flag and the other with the flag of Turkey.&nbsp;

Prigozhin said that the US citizen died while fighting in some part of Bakhmut which is referred to as the “nest.” According to Wagner, the American citizen was Nicholas Maimer, a former US special forces soldier.&nbsp;

While the Turkish citizen was found dead along with a Turkish woman in a building supposedly blown by Ukrainian forces, said the head of the Wagner group. However, the Turkish woman’s body could not be recovered, said Prigozhin.&nbsp;

<h2>US top officer about Russia-Ukraine</h2>

Speaking to reporters at the Pentagon, on Thursday, Milley said, “This war, militarily, is not going to be won by Russia. It’s just not.” The press conference took place after a virtual meeting of dozens of countries that support Ukraine.&nbsp;

He also said that while Moscow’s original strategic objectives which supposedly included overthrowing the government in Kyiv, “are not achievable militarily, they’re not going to be done,” said the US army general.&nbsp;

While Kyiv’s objective of recapturing all of its territory is also unlikely, said the US officer, adding that there are hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers across Ukraine, at the time so it will not happen “in the near term”.&nbsp;

“That means fighting is going to continue, it's going to be bloody, it's going to be hard. And at some point, both sides will either negotiate a settlement or they'll come to a military conclusion.” 
 
This comes amid talks that the war in Ukraine is set to go on for a while considering neither countries are in a position to secure a clear-cut victory and there are no ongoing peace talks or negotiations.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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Kyiv has secured the release of more than 100 of its captured soldiers in a prisoner exchange with Russia on Thursday (May 25), said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff.

Kyiv has secured the release of more than 100 of its captured soldiers in a prisoner exchange with Russia on Thursday (May 25), said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff. Meanwhile, Russia’s Wagner mercenary group said they would send back the bodies of two United States and Turkey citizens from Ukraine. Speaking about the conflict, US Army General Mark Milley said Russia will not achieve military victory in Ukraine but also warned Kyiv that it is unlikely to force out all of Moscow’s troops anytime soon. Russia to release over 100 Ukrainian soldiers: Kyiv The Ukrainian president Zelensky’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak said that Kyiv has secured the release of 106 soldiers, of whom eight were captured fighting in the city of Bakhmut, which has witnessed some of the bloodiest battles of the conflict. “Every one of them is a hero of our state,” said Yermak. He added, “Many of the ones we are returning from captivity were considered missing. The relatives of these people have gone through a difficult time.” While, Russia’s human rights ombudsman, Tatiana Moskalkova, confirmed that Russia’s mercenary group Wagner which earlier Thursday began withdrawing from Bakhmut, took part in an exchange of fighters, no further details were given. According to Ukrainian officials, so far, at least 2,430 Ukrainians have been freed in prisoner swaps out of which nearly 140 were civilians. Wagner send back bodies of US, Turkish citizens The head of the Wagner group Yevgeny Prigozhin, on Thursday, said that they are sending back the bodies of a US citizen who was killed in fighting in the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut and the body of a Turkish citizen who was found dead in a building that was blown up. “We are returning the body of an American and the body of a citizen of Turkey along with prisoners,” said Prigozhin. The announcement was made by him in a video clip which showed two wooden coffins one of which was draped with the US flag and the other with the flag of Turkey. Prigozhin said that the US citizen died while fighting in some part of Bakhmut which is referred to as the “nest.” According to Wagner, the American citizen was Nicholas Maimer, a former US special forces soldier. While the Turkish citizen was found dead along with a Turkish woman in a building supposedly blown by Ukrainian forces, said the head of the Wagner group. However, the Turkish woman’s body could not be recovered, said Prigozhin. US top officer about Russia-Ukraine Speaking to reporters at the Pentagon, on Thursday, Milley said, “This war, militarily, is not going to be won by Russia. It’s just not.” The press conference took place after a virtual meeting of dozens of countries that support Ukraine. He also said that while Moscow’s original strategic objectives which supposedly included overthrowing the government in Kyiv, “are not achievable militarily, they’re not going to be done,” said the US army general. While Kyiv’s objective of recapturing all of its territory is also unlikely, said the US officer, adding that there are hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers across Ukraine, at the time so it will not happen “in the near term”. “That means fighting is going to continue, it's going to be bloody, it's going to be hard. And at some point, both sides will either negotiate a settlement or they'll come to a military conclusion.” This comes amid talks that the war in Ukraine is set to go on for a while considering neither countries are in a position to secure a clear-cut victory and there are no ongoing peace talks or negotiations. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine secures release of more than 100 soldiers in swap with Russia

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. 
 
The Ukrainian body dealing with prisoners has alleged that the Russian side cancelled a scheduled prisoner exchange between the two warring nations at the last moment on Saturday.&nbsp;Taking to Telegram, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said, “Another round of exchange of prisoners was planned today with the Russian side,” adding that the exchange “was cancelled at the last moment at the initiative of the Russian side.”

Watch |&nbsp;War in Ukraine: Russia launches fresh attack on Ukrainian cities, claims victory in Soledar

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Reuters reportedly tried to reach the office of Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova, however, Moscow did not comment on Ukraine’s claim.

Previously, the two nations have conducted multiple prisoner swaps, exchanging hundreds of Prisoners of War&nbsp;(PoW) captured during this conflict, which has already dragged on into its 11th month.&nbsp;The most recent one as per Reuters was on January 8.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-missiles-hit-ukrainian-capital-more-attacks-expected-elsewhere-552596">Russian missiles strike several Ukrainian cities, 5 killed, 27 injured</a>

On Saturday, Russian Human Rights Commissioner Moskalkova stated on the messaging app Telegram that Russian soldiers had reported instances of abuse at the hands of the Ukrainian side while in their custody. However, the claims are yet to be verified.

Ukraine, too, had during a recent meeting between the two sides voiced concerns over alleged Russian violations of the Geneva Convention in its treatment of Ukrainian POWs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-soledar-city-controlled-by-kyiv-fight-ongoing-says-report-552635">Ukraine war: Soledar city 'controlled' by Kyiv, fighting ongoing, says report</a>

On Wednesday, talking to the press, Mirjana Spoljaric, the new head of the International Committee of the Red Cross, said she had been “speaking with Russian counterparts”. This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has continuously criticised the organisation in recent months for not pushing hard enough to gain access to Ukrainian troops captured by Russian forces.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. The Ukrainian body dealing with prisoners has alleged that the Russian side cancelled a scheduled prisoner exchange between the two warring nations at the last moment on Saturday. Taking to Telegram, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said, “Another round of exchange of prisoners was planned today with the Russian side,” adding that the exchange “was cancelled at the last moment at the initiative of the Russian side.” Watch | War in Ukraine: Russia launches fresh attack on Ukrainian cities, claims victory in Soledar Reuters reportedly tried to reach the office of Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova, however, Moscow did not comment on Ukraine’s claim. Previously, the two nations have conducted multiple prisoner swaps, exchanging hundreds of Prisoners of War (PoW) captured during this conflict, which has already dragged on into its 11th month. The most recent one as per Reuters was on January 8. Also read | Russian missiles strike several Ukrainian cities, 5 killed, 27 injured On Saturday, Russian Human Rights Commissioner Moskalkova stated on the messaging app Telegram that Russian soldiers had reported instances of abuse at the hands of the Ukrainian side while in their custody. However, the claims are yet to be verified. Ukraine, too, had during a recent meeting between the two sides voiced concerns over alleged Russian violations of the Geneva Convention in its treatment of Ukrainian POWs. Also read | Ukraine war: Soledar city 'controlled' by Kyiv, fighting ongoing, says report On Wednesday, talking to the press, Mirjana Spoljaric, the new head of the International Committee of the Red Cross, said she had been “speaking with Russian counterparts”. This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has continuously criticised the organisation in recent months for not pushing hard enough to gain access to Ukrainian troops captured by Russian forces. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine alleges Russia cancelled scheduled prisoner exchange at the last minute

The US and Russia are discussing a prisoner exchange that would involve trading a notorious Russian arms trafficker for an American basketball star, a Russian diplomat said on Saturday. It marked the first time that Russia said that the talks concerned exchanging Viktor Bout, known as the "Merchant of Death," for two-time Olympian Brittney&nbsp;Griner.

"The discussions on the very sensitive topic of an exchange are proceeding via the channels chosen by our presidents," Alexander Datchiev, the head the North America department at the Russian foreign ministry, was quoted as saying by the state news agency TASS. "Silent diplomacy continues and should bear fruit if Washington, of course, is careful not to fall into propaganda," he said.

Griner&nbsp;was arrested at a Moscow airport in February for possessing vape cartridges with a small amount of cannabis oil. The 31-year-old, who was in Russia to play for the professional Yekaterinburg team during her off-season from the Phoenix Mercury, was charged with smuggling narcotics and was sentenced to nine years in a penal colony in early August.

Bout was arrested in Thailand in 2008 and then extradited to the US, where in 2012 he was sentenced to 25 years in prison on charges of arming rebels in some of the world's bloodiest conflicts.

He inspired the 2005 arms smuggling movie "Lord of War" starring Nicolas Cage and was dubbed the "Merchant of Death" by former British minister Peter Hain for supplying weapons to war-torn Angola and Liberia.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brittney-griner-trial-russia-says-there-is-no-deal-on-swapping-us-basketballer-for-jailed-arms-trafficker-501438">Brittney Griner trial: Russia says there is no deal on swapping US basketballer for jailed arms trafficker</a>

Russia has long sought his release. Last weekend, Bill Richardson, a former US ambassador to the UN&nbsp;who has negotiated the release of several Americans held in other countries, said he was "optimistic" about efforts to negotiate a "two for two" prisoner swap with Russia.

"I think she's going to be freed, I think she has the right strategy of contrition, there's going to be a prisoner swap -- though I think it will be two for two, involving Paul Whelan," he told ABC's "This Week," insisting that he was only a "catalyst" in any negotiations.

Whelan is a former US Marine who was convicted of espionage in June 2020 and sentenced to 16 years in prison. He has insisted on his innocence.

The US and Russia are discussing a prisoner exchange that would involve trading a notorious Russian arms trafficker for an American basketball star, a Russian diplomat said on Saturday.

The US and Russia are discussing a prisoner exchange that would involve trading a notorious Russian arms trafficker for an American basketball star, a Russian diplomat said on Saturday. It marked the first time that Russia said that the talks concerned exchanging Viktor Bout, known as the "Merchant of Death," for two-time Olympian Brittney Griner. "The discussions on the very sensitive topic of an exchange are proceeding via the channels chosen by our presidents," Alexander Datchiev, the head the North America department at the Russian foreign ministry, was quoted as saying by the state news agency TASS. "Silent diplomacy continues and should bear fruit if Washington, of course, is careful not to fall into propaganda," he said. Griner was arrested at a Moscow airport in February for possessing vape cartridges with a small amount of cannabis oil. The 31-year-old, who was in Russia to play for the professional Yekaterinburg team during her off-season from the Phoenix Mercury, was charged with smuggling narcotics and was sentenced to nine years in a penal colony in early August. Bout was arrested in Thailand in 2008 and then extradited to the US, where in 2012 he was sentenced to 25 years in prison on charges of arming rebels in some of the world's bloodiest conflicts. He inspired the 2005 arms smuggling movie "Lord of War" starring Nicolas Cage and was dubbed the "Merchant of Death" by former British minister Peter Hain for supplying weapons to war-torn Angola and Liberia. ALSO READ | Brittney Griner trial: Russia says there is no deal on swapping US basketballer for jailed arms trafficker Russia has long sought his release. Last weekend, Bill Richardson, a former US ambassador to the UN who has negotiated the release of several Americans held in other countries, said he was "optimistic" about efforts to negotiate a "two for two" prisoner swap with Russia. "I think she's going to be freed, I think she has the right strategy of contrition, there's going to be a prisoner swap -- though I think it will be two for two, involving Paul Whelan," he told ABC's "This Week," insisting that he was only a "catalyst" in any negotiations. Whelan is a former US Marine who was convicted of espionage in June 2020 and sentenced to 16 years in prison. He has insisted on his innocence.

Russia, US in talks over 'Merchant of Death' swap for basketballer Brittney Griner: Moscow

In order to make a prisoner exchange possible, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has offered its assistance to Russia and Ukraine, reported Russian news agency RIA Novosti citing sources. The UAE’s proposal is being considered by both nations as they are finalising the lists of prisoners, which may be swapped, said RIA Novosti’s report. Both nations, Russia and Ukraine, have been claiming to capture hundreds of prisoners of war (POWs) since the invasion began on February 24. In the first week of June, Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu said that Russian forces have captured over 6,500 Ukrainian fighters. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-send-advanced-weapons-system-to-ukraine-report-492359" hreflang="en">US to send advanced weapons system to Ukraine: Report</a>

Earlier this month, the Ukrainian government also said that 11 rounds of prisoner swaps have been held since the war has started. In these rounds, several prisoners have been swapped. Each nation has accused the other’s forces of committing war crimes and atrocities on civilians and POWs. &nbsp;

Watch | G7 pledges to stand with Ukraine: 'With Ukraine as long as it takes'

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Meanwhile, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky told G7 nations "now is not the time for negotiations" referring to Russia. The Ukraine president also asked G7 nations to "limit the price of Russian oil" and to "intensify sanctions" against Russia over its invasion of his country, reports said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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In order to make a prisoner exchange possible, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has offered its assistance to Russia and Ukraine, reported Russian news agency RIA Novosti citing sources.

In order to make a prisoner exchange possible, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has offered its assistance to Russia and Ukraine, reported Russian news agency RIA Novosti citing sources. The UAE’s proposal is being considered by both nations as they are finalising the lists of prisoners, which may be swapped, said RIA Novosti’s report. Both nations, Russia and Ukraine, have been claiming to capture hundreds of prisoners of war (POWs) since the invasion began on February 24. In the first week of June, Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu said that Russian forces have captured over 6,500 Ukrainian fighters. Also Read | US to send advanced weapons system to Ukraine: Report Earlier this month, the Ukrainian government also said that 11 rounds of prisoner swaps have been held since the war has started. In these rounds, several prisoners have been swapped. Each nation has accused the other’s forces of committing war crimes and atrocities on civilians and POWs. Watch | G7 pledges to stand with Ukraine: 'With Ukraine as long as it takes' × Meanwhile, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky told G7 nations "now is not the time for negotiations" referring to Russia. The Ukraine president also asked G7 nations to "limit the price of Russian oil" and to "intensify sanctions" against Russia over its invasion of his country, reports said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

UAE offers assistance to make prisoner exchange possible between Russia, Ukraine

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