Military operation in Ukraine

19 Mar, 14:12

IN BRIEF: What is known about prisoner exchange between Russia, Ukraine

The exchange was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a telephone conversation with his US counterpart Donald Trump

© Russian Defense Ministry/TASS

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Moscow and Kiev have conducted a 175-for-175 prisoner exchange, the Defense Ministry said. As a goodwill gesture, Russia also handed over to Ukraine 22 severely injured prisoners of war in need of urgent medical care.

The exchange was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a telephone conversation with his US counterpart Donald Trump.

TASS has compiled the main information about the latest prisoner exchange.

Prisoner swap

- Russia and Ukraine conducted a prisoner exchange on the 175-for-175 formula.

- The released Russian servicemen are in Belarus, where they are being provided with psychological and medical assistance and given the opportunity to contact their relatives.

- They will be taken to Russia for treatment and rehabilitation in the Defense Ministry’s medical institutions.

Goodwill gesture

- As a goodwill gesture, Russia also handed over to Ukraine 22 severely injured prisoners of war in need of urgent medical care.

Mediation

- The United Arab Emirates mediated the return of Russian servicemen from captivity.

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Foreign policy Military operation in Ukraine

Military operation in Ukraine

Ukrainian troops forbade people in Kursk Region to evacuate to use them as human shield

The Ukrainian militants had previously acted in a similar way against civilians in the city of Mariupol and other settlements

Kiev forces lost 4 UAV control points in 24 hours due to actions of Battlegroup East

According to head of the group's press center, Alexander Gordeyev, during the active operations, units of the Battlegroup East continued to advance into the depths of the enemy's defense

Yesterday, 09:02

Russian forces push Ukrainians out of Zherebyanki in Zaporozhye region — official

On March 12, the politician told TASS that Russian forces had liberated around 5 square kilometers of land near the rural settlements of Zherebyanka and Kamenskoye in the Zaporozhye Region

Demand for Russian goods in China to be strong support for bilateral cooperation — expert

Xu Dingbos expressed confidence that changes in Sino-American relations do not threaten economic cooperation between China and Russia, which has "solid economic logic and foundations"

Yesterday, 17:30

UN chief ready to mediate Ukraine talks — deputy spokesperson

According to Farhan Haq, Antonio Guterres "made clear to his various interlocutors the willingness of the UN to make available its good offices, if the parties accept"

Yesterday, 14:59

Kick-sharing services resumes operations in Moscow

E-scooters rental is available for users in mobile apps

Strike on Sudzha gas metering station shows real worth of Kiev's promises — Kremlin

In the early hours of March 21, the Ukrainian military blew up the Sudzha gas metering station, a key conduit through which Russian gas once flowed to Europe

Yesterday, 16:29

Poland’s exit from Ottawa Convention shows disregard for int'l obligations — Zakharova

The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman stressed that "Western countries are ready to abandon their international legal obligations at literally any moment - whenever they feel like it, whenever it suits them"

Yesterday, 18:59

EU protracts conflict in Ukraine at any cost, ignoring calls for peace — European MP

Harald Vilimsky added that "the European Union is treating Hungary as if it does not exist"

Yesterday, 20:08

Russia stresses risk of rogue Ukrainian military groups disrupting any agreement with Kiev

They don't listen to Vladimir Zelensky, Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large for the Kiev regime's crimes Rodion Miroshnik said

Russian investigators open case over Ukrainian troops' blowing up of Sudzha gas station

The investigation established that on March 20, Ukrainian servicemen, having illegally entered Russian territory, intentionally detonated the Sudzha gas distribution station

Yesterday, 15:56

Zimbabwe's Kirsty Coventry becomes first female IOC president

The two-time Olympic champion will take office on June 24

Yesterday, 13:00

Orban says other EU states quietly support Hungary's stance against Ukrainian accession

In recent days, the Hungarian prime minister has repeatedly warned that Hungary will not allow Ukraine's immediate accession to the EU, claiming this would cause irreparable damage to the European economy

Yesterday, 15:14

Russia takes Macron's nuclear remarks very seriously — security official

According to Sergey Shoigu, "the very fact that a leader of a nuclear power is rattling weapons is a direct threat to the entire world community"

Summit on Ukraine to be held in Paris on March 27 — Macron

Earlier, Bloomberg reported that leading EU countries, including Germany, France and Poland, as well as non-EU countries Canada and the UK, will hold a new summit in Paris next week to discuss the situation around Ukraine

Yesterday, 17:45

Putin congratulates Coventry on her election as IOC president — Kremlin

The Russian leader is confident that Kirsty Coventry's personal athletic experience and interest in the real promotion of noble Olympic ideals will contribute to the success in such a responsible job

Court convicts 46 Ukrainian soldiers for crimes in Kursk Region — Investigative Committee

Eight commanders of the Ukrainian Armed Forces brigades who participated in the attack on the Kursk Region were charged in absentia, the spokesperson said

Press review: Moscow forms delegation for US talks as EU fails to approve aid for Kiev

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 21st

Yesterday, 16:55

Since March 12, 544 people have been evacuated from Sudzha District of Kursk Region

"Over the course of the day, more than 200 people contacted the hotline of the main department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations in the Kursk Region, with nearly all inquiries focused on locating relatives," the statement reads

US is able to ensure that Kiev fulfills its agreements with Moscow — Russian MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova doubted that Washington would have a reason not to take advantage of these opportunities

Yesterday, 20:57

US, Ukraine to sign minerals deal soon — Trump

US president also said he has just signed an executive order to "dramatically increase" production of rare earth minerals

Yesterday, 16:02

Macron's talk of sending 'peacekeepers' to Ukraine shows disconnect from reality — MFA

"We have repeatedly said that introduction of so-called peacekeepers into Ukraine in practice would mean a foreign military intervention that further escalates the conflict," Maria Zakharova stated

Yesterday, 16:57

Zelensky admits Ukraine no longer being invited to NATO

At the same time, the Ukrainian president denied saying that he was ready "to discuss the question of Ukraine’s neutral status"

Military expert slams Kiev's strikes on Russian gas facilities as acts of terrorism

Alexander Mikhailov noted that Zelensky understands his resignation is merely a matter of time

Yesterday, 20:45

Russian ambassador plans to depart to US ‘one of these days’ — ministry spokeswoman

Alexander Darchiyev, who headed the Russian Foreign Ministry’s North Atlantic Department, was appointed as Russia’s new ambassador to the United States by a presidential decree in early March

Two days ago, 01:22

UK policy may lead to total destruction of Ukraine — Russian ambassador

In his words, the United Kingdom has chosen to go into confrontation

State Department believes world is just a ‘breath away’ from full ceasefire in Ukraine

Spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated 'that is what America has helped facilitate'

Yesterday, 20:08

Top Polish general says Europe weighing scenarios for ground operation in Ukraine

In Wieslaw Kukula's words, general staffs of European countries will be involved in the planning

Ukraine's military intelligence chief identified as organizer of drone attacks on Russia

They have been charged in absentia and placed on the wanted list

Yesterday, 06:58

Medvedev says return will be challenging for companies that left Russia

"Life has proved that those were true words. We did not chase anyone off, they left themselves, someone under pressure from their governments, someone out of fear, someone in solidarity with the neo-Nazis," the politician said

Yesterday, 19:47

No Foreign Ministry delegates to March 24 talks in Riyadh — spokeswoman

The Russian delegation will be led by senator Grigory Karasin and the adviser to the FSB chief, Sergey Beseda

Kiev fears Trump may agree to cede Odessa to Russia — media

The US president did not specify which specific regions he was referring to, but the White House has already made it clear that Russia is expected to maintain control over territories "that its troops already command," the newspaper said

Yesterday, 10:03

Russia developing Caspian flotilla infrastructure — top brass

"At present, work to construct a complex of hydrotechnical facilities, including the northern and southern piers spanning more than 2 kilometers, as well as berths and coastal infrastructure is ongoing in Kaspiysk," the ministry stated

Yesterday, 18:37

EU diplomacy chief's statements on helping Kiev show union war-minded — MFA

"It seems that Brussels is still incapable of clearly answering certain questions, including what specific role the EU could play amid the shifting dynamics of the Ukrainian crisis," Maria Zakharova noted

Yesterday, 20:59

Kiev already broke US-proposed ceasefire — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova noted that attacking an energy facility in this context is understandable, 'because everything began with the energy sector in 2022'

Superjet, MC-21 aircraft could be exported to friendly countries — expert

A prototype of the Superjet aircraft equipped with Russia-produced PD-8 engines completed its maiden flight on March 17

Russian Security Council Secretary Shoigu arrives in North Korea

It is planned that Shoigu will meet with the leader of the DPRK Kim Jong Un and other leaders of the country

Yesterday, 11:41

Russian forces strike military train with Ukrainian ammo, armament over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 240 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Two days ago, 09:20

Ukrainian soldiers stunned by Russia’s Operation Pipeline — Russian commander

Operation Pipeline involved a joint assault unit comprising soldiers from the 11th Separate Guards Air Assault Brigade, the 30th Regiment of the 72nd Motorized Rifle Division, the Akhmat special forces unit, and volunteers from the Veterans and Vostok V assault brigades

Yesterday, 07:36

Medvedev urges to feel free to follow Trump’s example in protecting domestic brands

Russian companies quickly reacted to the withdrawal of Western brands, taking free niches, well done to them, the politician added

Yesterday, 19:52

Senior diplomat briefs BRICS ambassadors in Moscow on advancing Russia-US dialogue

The diplomats pointed out that the meeting participants urged increased efforts to resolve the conflict over Ukraine and expressed readiness to provide appropriate assistance

Yesterday, 14:26

Russia to invite US to meeting of high representatives on security issues — Shoigu

Sergey Shoigu noted that representatives from over 100 countries had already confirmed their participation in the upcoming meeting

Yesterday, 23:55

EU summit participants support White Paper on the EU defense

The meeting participants instructed the European Commission and the EU Council to begin implementing the European Commission's proposals in practice

Yesterday, 12:20

Failure of Kiev’s offensive in 2023 was conflict’s turning point — National Interest

"When the Ukrainian armed forces launched their offensive, they fell on Russia's defensive works - the largest and most comprehensive defensive line seen in Europe since the end of World War II," the magazine stated

Yesterday, 10:02

Kremlin says Europe becomes 'war party'

"The main signals from Brussels and the European capitals now relate to the plans for militarization of Europe, which is clearly at odds with the mood of the presidents of Russia and the United States to seek ways out for a peaceful settlement process," Dmitry Peskov said

Yesterday, 15:04

Russia has no plans to attack Germany — MFA on Merz's remarks

"If Berlin makes such claims, it means that Germany may have such plans itself; but in that case, Berlin needs to call things by their proper name," Maria Zakharova stated

Ukraine’s spy chief Budanov internationally wanted for plotting drone attacks on Russia

At least three criminal probes have been launched personally against Budanov, and judges have already ruled twice to arrest him in absentia

Yesterday, 19:47

Russian MFA says no hidden meaning in differing statements on Putin-Trump talks

Maria Zakharova emphasized that while there are certain "nuances" in both statements, they do not contradict each other

Preparations for Operation Flow in Kursk Region took three months — commander

About 500 Russian fighters moved through the pipe towards Sudzha

Russian forces take control of major Ukrainian stronghold near Kremennaya in LPR — expert

Russian fighters have so far taken a new foothold and are conducting a clearance operation, Andrey Marochko specified

Western politicians obsessed with desire to militarize Europe at all costs — Kremlin

As Dmitry Peskov emphasized, the militarization of Europe is a very dangerous trend

Trump signs executive order to initiate elimination of Department of Education

The complete closure of the Department of Education requires the approval of a corresponding bill by Congress

Yesterday, 14:51

US arms deliveries to Kiev contradict intentions to achieve peace in Ukraine — diplomat

"Anyone who wants peace will naturally support an end to the militarization of the terrorist gang," Maria Zakharova stated

Russian investigators identify 43,000 people as victims of Ukraine's Kursk incursion

Forensic departments of Russia's Investigative Committee provide ongoing assistance to investigators during the inspection of the scenes and other investigative actions to document the crimes of Ukrainian militants against civilians, the agency specified

Russian aviation sector should express gratitude to sanctions — French expert

Russia is regaining independence in aviation sector, which is demonstrated by such projects as Superjet New, MC-21, new Il-96, Tu-214 and more, Cyril de Lattre noted

Death toll from Ukrainian crimes in Russia’s Kursk rises to 167 since 2022 — investigators

As many as 736 criminal probes have been launched as hundreds of civilian infrastructure facilities have been damaged

Largest British air hub shut down until midnight due to power outage caused by fire

120 flights will need to divert due to the shutdown

Putin personally picks Russian negotiators for coming talks with US — Kremlin

The Russian delegation in the upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh on Monday will be headed by Grigory Karasin and Sergey Beseda, Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov announced earlier

Yesterday, 05:00

Houthis report new attack on US aircraft carrier in Red Sea

According to Yahya Sarea, "the operation successfully reached its target"

Almost 600 Palestinians killed in Gaza in past 72 hours — Al Jazeera

The death toll continues to rise as Israeli air attacks and ground assaults intensify

Putin calls for technological leadership in unmanned aerial systems within five years

The Russian president also ordered to take measures providing for the use of solutions based on artificial intelligence in manufacturing and operation of drones

Yesterday, 20:58

Russia-US relations at recovery stage, diplomat says

Maria Zakharova pointed to the fact that these contacts received a new impetus thanks to the initiatives of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump

Yesterday, 11:27

Released Russian POWs report widespread torture, secret jails in Ukraine, Kursk — MFA

According to the report, the existence of these facilities is well known at all levels of the Ukrainian government

Putin extends greetings to CIS leaders on Nowruz

Putin congratulated Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the president of the Islamic republic, Masoud Pezeshkian, as well on the ancient holiday, marking the arrival of spring

Around world in 75 years: Sergey Lavrov celebrates milestone anniversary

Back in 2021, the minister said that he had visited about 150 states, but Russia was always the most attractive country for him

Putin confused why G7 known as 'big' seven

The GDP growth in the G7 countries for 2024 was just 1.9%, while the BRICS countries saw a growth rate of 4.9%, the Russian leader noted

Yesterday, 14:29

Russia to boost arms exports after special military operation — Security Council

This refers to air defense systems, strike drones and upgraded armored vehicles, Sergey Shoigu said

Yesterday, 20:34

US intends to hold Russia-Ukraine ‘proximity’ talks in Riyadh — envoy Kellogg

According to US Special Envoy for Ukraine, 'it, basically, shuttle diplomacy'

Yesterday, 05:49

Russian Volga cities of Saratov, Engels come under most massive drone attack — governor

According to Roman Busargin, more than 30 private homes and summer houses in Engels were damaged in the attack

Macron weakened French Air Force by transferring Mirage 2000 to Ukraine — French expert

"Mirage 2000-5Fs are equipped with specialized systems designed for intercepting threats over French territory, they are not intended for ground support," Cyrille de Lattre stressed

Yesterday, 21:53

US and Ukraine to sign resource agreement in near future — Trump

US president did not indicate when or where exactly the agreement would be signed

Yesterday, 15:40

Ukraine’s military stored foreign munitions in civilian hospital in Kursk Region

According to the report, the hospital itself suffered severely in the battles and its first floor burnt out

Yesterday, 18:50

Sales of new premium cars in Russia dip twofold in February — statistics

"Avtostat agency experts note that premium cars made up 8.8% of total car sales in Russia last month," the report said

Yesterday, 16:16

Trump fully supports Israel’s current military operation in Gaza — White House

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that previously Donald Trump threatened Palestine’s radical movement Hamas with tough measures if Israeli hostages are not released

Yesterday, 10:00

Press review: Israel restarts Gaza operation while US mulls lifting sanctions on Russia

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, March 20th

Yesterday, 12:17

By attacking Russian energy facility, Kiev wants to disrupt peace initiatives — diplomat

As Maria Zakharova stressed, it is absolutely clear that it was a deliberate, pre-planned provocative action

Local clashes with police occur near university in Ankara — TV

A haber TV channel showed that opposition Republican People's Party representatives tried to discuss ways for calming the aggressively-minded protesters with the police

Yesterday, 22:46

Houthis claim missile strike on military target in Tel Aviv

Movement's military spokesman Yahya Saria added that ships linked to Israel will also be attacked in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden until it ends its operation in the Gaza Strip

Two days ago, 13:39

Putin speaks on imminent Ukrainian defeat in Kursk at Prosecutor Office board meeting

The Russian president noted that the number of complaints received by the Prosecutor's Office increased by 10% in 2024

Battlegroup West destroys 3 Starlink stations, 25 UAV control points

Over the past 24 hours the group's units improved their tactical position, defeated the manpower and equipment of three mechanized brigades, an assault brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces, a territorial defense brigade, and a national guard brigade

Yesterday, 10:08

Slovakia's prime minister says he may veto EU sanctions against Russia

Robert Fico reportedly made this statement before departing for Brussels, where he will attend a European Council meeting

Tanks of Battlegroup Dnepr destroy strongholds of Kiev forces in Zaporozhye region

According to a tank commander with the call sign Veter, the Battlegroup Dnepr continues to carry out combat missions in the Zaporozhye direction, showing high efficiency and professionalism

Yesterday, 19:49

Israel chose war in Gaza Strip — Russia’s UN mission

Dmitry Polyansky went on to say that despite a new round of escalation, a "diplomatic solution is not just possible, it remains the only realistic option"

Bank of Russia keeps key rate at 21% for third consecutive time

The Bank of Russia estimates that the achieved tightness of monetary conditions creates the necessary prerequisites for returning inflation to the target in 2026, the press release said

Kremlin welcomes Pashinyan's statement on strengthening ties with Russia

"It is a sovereign state, but we have a lot in common - both bilaterally, historically, and culturally," Dmitry Peskov said

Yesterday, 17:15

EU-Ukraine military integration aims to throw wrench in Russia-US dialogue — diplomat

"This is undoubtedly also a provocation to create an aggressive 'noise' that is meant to confuse," Maria Zakharova added

Yesterday, 00:01

Hungary wants to resumes its exports to Russia — PM

The Hungarian Prime Minister spoke to journalists in Brussels after a meeting of the leaders of the parties that formed the Patriots of Europe faction

Yesterday, 18:41

China tops box office sales for Russian movies in 2024

In Europe and the US, "the door is open a crack" for the Russian film industry, noted Dmitry Kabanov, industry relations and international b2b events director of the Russian state-owned audiovisual product company Roskino

Russian forces not hitting Ukraine's energy sector, Putin's order in force — Kremlin

After talks with his US counterpart Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a halt to attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure

Yesterday, 21:19

Trump is confident that Ukrainian conflict will be resolved

Speaking at the White House, the American leader noted that he had previously held telephone conversations with Russian President state Vladimir Putin, as well as with Vladimir Zelensky

Yesterday, 14:04

European Council fails to approve 5-billion-euro plan to supply weapons to Kiev

The final statement of the meeting makes no mention of the 40-billion-euro military aid package, proposed by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, or its reduced variant

Iran to give "heavy slap in face" to anyone who harms its people — Khamenei

According to Ali Khamenei, US and European politicians are seriously mistaken when they call resistance in the region Iran's proxy forces, since all countries that oppose Israel's aggression against the Palestinians have their own stance

Chief of Russia’s General Staff inspects Battlegroup Center in special military operation

Army General Valery Gerasimov also presented state awards to the military personnel who had especially distinguished themselves in liberating the DPR and thanked them for their valor and courage displayed in the fulfillment of combat objectives

Yesterday, 08:33

FACTBOX: What we know about Ukraine's drone attack on Russia's Saratov Region

Air defenses downed 132 Ukrainian drones over Ukrainian regions overnight, the Russian Defense Ministry said

Ovechkin only six goals away from Gretzky’s all-time NHL record

Alexander Ovechkin now has 35 goals in 53 games this season

US has considerable influence on Kiev, but weak on Moscow, expert says

Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, in turn, told the newspaper that the US realizes that an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine is unattainable

Ukraine's own air defenses shoot down half of Kiev's aircraft declared lost — Rada MP

Maryana Bezuglaya noted that the findings of the investigation into the loss of one of the first F-16 fighter jets delivered to Ukraine last August have yet to be made public

Yesterday, 20:38

UK discusses options for its military presence in Ukraine — prime minister

Keir Starmer argued that Russia could allegedly violate any future agreements, so Western countries should work on security guarantees for Ukraine

Russia’s top diplomat Lavrov receives highest state order as he turns 75

According to the Russian President's decree, the order was conferred to Sergey Lavrov to recognize his "outstanding services to the Fatherland, significant contribution to developing and implementing Russia’s foreign policy course, and years of dedicated activity as a statesman"

Yesterday, 20:18

Slovakia insists on free will principle for EU military aid to Kiev — PM

Robert Fico noted that the republic will not send a single cent to arm Ukraine

Yesterday, 17:59

Armenia to lose many privileges if it joins EU — Russia’s top security official

Sergey Shoigu recalled that money transfers from Russia into Armenia amount for approximately 15% of the country’s GDP