Russia and Ukraine began their largest prisoner exchange to date on Friday, following a recent agreement reached during talks held in Istanbul. The exchange marks a rare moment of cooperation between the two warring sides amid a prolonged and devastating conflict.

In a statement, the Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed that both sides had launched the first phase of the operation, with each handing over 270 prisoners of war and 120 civilians.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also confirmed the development, stating that Ukraine had secured the release of 390 individuals. He noted that the exchange is part of a broader deal that includes the release of a total of 1,000 individuals from each side over several days.

The large-scale swap is being viewed as a significant humanitarian gesture and a potential confidence-building step as international actors continue to push for a diplomatic resolution to a war that has killed and displaced millions since it began over two years ago.