Long-Awaited Exchange of POWs Takes Place between Ukraine and Russia; 1 Ukrainian Soldier KIA, 5 WIA

A long-awaited exchange of POWs took place together, with 74 Ukrainian soldiers released by Russia-backed forces and returned home, President Petro Poroshenko reported on Twitter, according to Unian.net

The 74 Ukrainians were exchanged for 306 separatists. (See Reuters photo report here.)

Vasiliy Hritsak, chairman of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said that 103 Ukrainian hostages were still being held in Donetsk, Lugansk and Russia even after the release of the 74. He said to date, 3,215 people have been either released or found after being missing. He said 402 were still missing. 

One Ukrainian POW whose first name was given as Elena said she did not wish to return to Kiev-controlled territory but preferred to remain in the Donbass because she had relatives there. 

Another two POWs released by separatists said they preferred to return to occupied Lugansk, Unian reported, citing TSN.

One Ukrainian soldier was killed, three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded and two were concussed in battle, Unian reported.

In the evening, Russia-backed forces attacked the Svetlodarsk Bulge. They used 82-mm mortars and heavy machine guns for two hours near Luganskoye. Small arms were used to attack Stanitsa Luganskaya. A drone was spotted near Luganskoye during daylight hours.

On the Maritime line, there were provocations around Vodyanoye, with firing from heavy machine guns, grenade-launchers and small arms.

— Catherine A. Fitzpatrick