Russia, Ukraine prepare massive 2,000-prisoner exchange amid US-led diplomacy
What's the story
Russia and Ukraine are reportedly preparing for a massive prisoner exchange. Over 1,000 prisoners from each side are expected to be released in what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called "the largest exchange of this war." The development comes as the United States intensifies its diplomatic efforts to end the conflict between the two nations.
Diplomatic talks
Proposed prisoner exchange discussed during meeting with Trump envoys
The proposed prisoner exchange was discussed during a meeting between US President Donald Trump's special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
The envoys also met with Zelenskyy in Ireland on November 13, where they discussed steps toward ending the conflict and providing security guarantees for Kyiv.
Peace prospects
We take US wording very seriously: Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy expressed optimism about the possibility of a large-scale prisoner exchange and the potential for lasting peace with US support.
He said, "We count on a truly large-scale prisoner exchange, and we take very seriously the wording our American partners are using: that this should be the largest exchange of this war."
He added that Ukrainian intelligence agencies were working on making this exchange happen.
Diplomatic achievements
Zelenskyy announces defense assistance package from Denmark
Apart from the proposed prisoner exchange, Zelenskyy also highlighted his recent diplomatic successes with European leaders.
He announced a defense assistance package worth €645 million from Denmark, which will include ammunition for F-16 fighter jets and energy assistance for Ukraine.
The ammunition is expected to help Ukrainian aircraft intercept Russian jet-powered Shahed drones.