Russia and Ukraine exchange hundreds of prisoners of war just a week after deadly plane crash
CBSFeb 03
Russia and Ukraine Complete First Prisoner Swap Since Plane Crash
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Image copyright: via Ukraine's Presidential Press Office
The Facts
Amid tensions and distrust following the crash of a Russian transport plane last week — which Russia blamed on Ukraine and said had been carrying 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) — both nations completed their first prisoner swap since the incident on Wednesday.
Russia's Defense Ministry said that each country returned 195 POWs. However, shortly thereafter, Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said 207 Ukrainians were returned home. There was no explanation for the discrepancy and the true figure of how many prisoners were exchanged could not be independently confirmed.
The Spin
Pro-Ukraine narrative
In this latest exchange, Ukraine was able to return 207 of its defenders home. Ukraine will always do everything in its power to ensure that those held in Russian captivity will be returned.
Pro-Russia narrative
Despite Ukraine's illegal and terroristic actions in bringing down a Russian military plane, Moscow will continue conducting prisoner exchanges as it's important that its people are returned home. 195 prisoners were returned in the latest exchange.
