Trump Praises Ukraine-Russia Prisoner Swap as Start of ‘Something Big’
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
President Donald Trump praised a “major prisoner swap” about to take place between Russia and Ukraine, touting the move as the possible start of “something big.”
“A major prisoner swap was just completed between Russia and Ukraine,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “It will go into effect shortly. Congratulations to both sides on this negotiation.”
He followed with a speculative flourish: “This could lead to something big???”
The social media post came as the two warring countries prepared to announce what is assumed to be the largest prisoner exchange since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began over three years ago.
On Wednesday, Ukraine and Russia confirmed they had already each exchanged 175 prisoners, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailing the return of “soldiers, sergeants, and officers — warriors who fought for our freedom.”
Officials on both sides emphasized that the deal had been in the works for months.
The swap comes amid renewed, albeit fragile, discussions about a potential ceasefire. While Russian state media offered no details, Ukraine confirmed that severely wounded soldiers and those accused by Russia on fabricated charges were among those released.
