Prisoner Exchange on Direct Order from Putin

The official representative of the Russian Defense Ministry, Lieutenant General Igor Konashenkov, announced that a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine took place on the principle of "144 for 144."

"Yesterday, on June 29, a soldier exchange occurred, organized and conducted under the direct order of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, as the life, health, and release of our servicemen, as well as fighters from the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, is the foremost issue," Konashenkov stated.

Konashenkov emphasized that almost all of those released are wounded or seriously injured. They are already receiving necessary medical assistance.

"I would like to remind you that the total number of Ukrainian servicemen held captive or who have surrendered exceeds six thousand," Konashenkov noted.