MINSK, August 24. /TASS/. Russia and Ukraine carried out a ten-for-ten prisoner swap in Belarus’s southeasternmost Gomel Region on Monday, the Pervy Informatsionny television channel of Belarus reported.

The report says that the swap was made possible by an order from Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

The humanitarian mission was conducted in strict compliance with the norms of international law, the report says.

"Today, Belarus is hosting a yet another humanitarian event. Ten Ukrainian citizens, who were present on the territory of the Republic of Belarus but sadly violated our immigration and other laws, are returning to Ukraine today, to their homeland, their families and their loved ones," Belarusian lawmaker Irina Kostevich said.

In turn, ten Russian prisoners of war will be transferred across the Belarusian border to Russia.

"A major medical assistance team has been deployed here in Novaya Guta, including ambulance crews that will provide medical assistance to the Russian prisoners of war, should their health status warrant it. Subsequently, they will be transported to healthcare facilities in the Gomel Region for further treatment, depending on their medical condition," she said.

The lawmaker went on to say that these measures were taken on the Belarusian leader’s instructions.

"Our main objective and the task set by the president is to save lives. No matter if they are Ukrainians or Russians, they are first of all humans. The human aspect is paramount, [as well as] reuniting families and bringing people back together with their loved ones. This humanitarian attitude is embedded in the DNA of the Belarusian people," Kostevich continued.

"What Belarus is doing today is addressing the humanitarian issue, crucial for people on both sides who are facing tough times," the lawmaker added. "And today, this difficult situation is getting resolved on a small safe territory, thanks to our head of state."