(MENAFN) Russia and Ukraine have completed their largest-ever prisoner exchange, returning 303 military personnel from each side, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The operation followed direct negotiations held in Türkiye earlier this month.

In a statement on Sunday, the ministry confirmed that the returned Russian soldiers would be sent to military medical facilities for rehabilitation and care. The exchange occurred between May 23 and May 25, with a total of 1,000 individuals from each side being repatriated, including both military personnel and civilians.

The Russian returnees are currently receiving medical and psychological support in Belarus.

This swap follows the first direct peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in three years, held in Istanbul. Though no major agreements were reached, both parties pledged to continue dialogue and to exchange preliminary proposals for a potential ceasefire.

The prisoner release began Friday with 120 civilians and 270 soldiers from each side. A further 307 individuals were exchanged on Saturday. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that draft ceasefire proposals would be shared after the prisoner exchange concludes.

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