On Monday, families of Ukrainian soldiers who have gone missing gathered near the Belarus border as a much-anticipated prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia commenced.
A bus carrying prisoners of war arrived amid a surge of relatives seeking information, many clutching photos of their loved ones—fathers, brothers, and sons. While fear of reconnection loomed heavy, hope for any news sparked their determination.
During recent discussions in Turkey, both sides reached an agreement to exchange sick and severely wounded prisoners of war, as well as the remains of 12,000 soldiers. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky urged patience, indicating the exchange will occur in multiple phases over the coming days, while noting the complexity and sensitivity of the negotiations.
Russia announced the return of a group of young servicemen, while officials in Kyiv reported that some Ukrainian prisoners had been held since the conflict’s onset. Among the relatives was Tetiana, who held a sign for her missing father and cousin, expressing her fears and heartache over their absence.
When a returned soldier appeared, onlookers called out for information about their loved ones, with the soldier responding warmly. However, many returning captives displayed signs of distress, having endured poor conditions in detention. The war’s toll continues to deepen family wounds, exemplified by the recent loss of Tetiana’s uncle.
Notably, tensions remain high, as both sides accused each other of sabotaging the exchange of deceased soldiers. Amid this conflict, Russia launched a significant drone attack on Ukraine, resulting in property damage but no reported casualties.
Source: www.bbc.com
