Russia and Ukraine swap prisoners

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged 205 prisoners of war each in a significant swap mediated by the United Arab Emirates.

The exchange marks the first phase of a planned 1,000-for-1,000 swap following a brief ceasefire brokered by the United States.

Many of the returning Ukrainian soldiers had been held since the early stages of the full-scale invasion.

Russia's defense ministry confirmed that their released servicemen were being provided with medical and psychological support in Belarus.

The swap is seen as a rare diplomatic success amid an otherwise intensifying conflict that has seen heavy missile strikes resume in recent days.