Russia, Ukraine carry out prisoner swap

MOSCOW/KYIV — Russia and Ukraine carried out a new exchange of prisoners on Monday, with the two sides bringing home a combined total of more than 300 former captives.

Russia's Defense Ministry said that 150 Russian soldiers were freed from captivity as part of the exchange in which each side released 150 people.

"On Dec 30, as a result of the negotiation process, 150 Russian servicemen were returned from territory controlled by the Kyiv regime. In return, 150 Ukrainian army prisoners of war were handed over," the Russian ministry said.