MAIORSK CHECKPOINT, Ukraine — Ukrainian forces and Russia-backed rebels in eastern Ukraine began exchanging prisoners Sunday in a move aimed at ending their 5-year-long war.
The move was part of an agreement brokered earlier this month at a summit of the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France.
A rebel government official and the Ukrainian president’s office confirmed that the swap has started.
In total, 142 prisoners were expected to be exchanged at a checkpoint near Horlivka in eastern Ukraine — 55 released by the rebels and 87 by Ukraine.
The last major prisoner swap between separatist rebels and Ukrainian forces took place in …read more
Source:: National Newswatch
