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Ukraine, pro-Russia rebels exchange prisoners

Ukrainians prepare for an exchange of prisoners in front of a city prison in Donetsk in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities and pro-Russia rebels exchanged nearly 370 prisoners Friday. (Associated Press)

DONETSK, Ukraine – Ukrainian authorities and pro-Russia rebels exchanged nearly 370 prisoners Friday, a major step toward easing hostilities in eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine handed over 222 prisoners and the rebels released 145 people, according to Russia’s state RIA Novosti news agency – the biggest one-time prisoners swap since the pro-Russian insurgency flared up in eastern Ukraine in April.

The exchange had been tentatively planned for earlier this week, and the failure to conduct it pushed back another round of Ukraine peace talks in the Belarusian capital, Minsk, which was set for Friday but was adjourned indefinitely.

Fighting in eastern Ukraine between government forces, volunteer battalions and pro-Russia separatists has claimed more than 4,700 lives since last spring.

Associated Press