On Saturday the Russian Defense Ministry said that the Slavic giant has recovered 246 soldiers in a prisoner exchange with Ukraine in which they will also return 15 wounded servicemen.

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Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Saturday the suspension of military actions in Ukraine on the occasion of Easter, the ceasefire will begin from 18:00 (local time) from 19 to 21 April.

The Russian leader made the announcement during a meeting with the chief of staff, Valeri Guerassimov.

“Our decision on the Easter truce will show how sincere is the willingness and ability of the Kiev regime to implement the agreements, to participate in the process of peace talks aimed at eliminating the root causes of the crisis Ukrainian”, said Putin.

Russia and Ukraine have carried out a new exchange of prisoners of war, facilitated by the United Arab Emirates.

Russia released 31 wounded Ukrainian soldiers “in a gesture of goodwill,” while Ukraine handed over an unspecified number of wounded Russian soldiers, who are receiving medical care in Belarus before returning to Russia for rehabilitation. Ukraine welcomed the return of 277 of its soldiers.

Putin also stated that the situation in the conflict zone is favorable for Russia. Valeri Gerasimov informed the president that the Russian military had liberated 99.5% of the territory of the Kursk province. He also added that the troops repelled an attempted incursion of Ukrainian military in the Russian province of Belgorod.

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