In a significant development, Russia and Ukraine have exchanged their first batch of prisoners, according to the Russian Defence Ministry, which made the announcement on Friday.

Under the agreement reached in Istanbul, a total of 780 individuals were released, comprising 270 Ukrainian war prisoners and 510 individuals, including civilians and soldiers, from both sides. The Russian Defence Ministry stated in a statement that all Russian soldiers and civilians will be taken to medical facilities in the Russian Federation for treatment and rehabilitation.

The Istanbul agreements, which aim to facilitate the exchange of a total of 1,000 prisoners, are expected to be continued in the coming days.