Moscow ready to return prisoners to Ukraine

(Baonghean.vn) - Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko flew to Rostov-on-Don, southern Russia, on May 25 to welcome female soldier Nadiya Savchenko. In return, Ukraine will release two Russians being held by Kiev, according to Russia's Interfax news agency.

Female soldier Nadiya Savchenko was released.

The return of Savchenko, a national hero in Ukraine, at the request of Western governments, would ease tensions between Moscow and the West a few weeks before the European Union decides whether to extend sanctions against Russia.

The two Russian prisoners used in the exchange were Yevgeny Yerofeyev and Alexander Alexandrov, members of Russian special forces, captured while carrying out a secret operation in eastern Ukraine.

In return, Ukraine released two Russian soldiers, Yevgeny Yerofeyev (left) and Alexander Alexandrov.

Savchenko, a military pilot, had volunteered to fight against pro-Moscow separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine.

She was arrested and brought to court in southern Russia on charges of causing the death of a Russian journalist.

A Russian court sentenced her to 22 years in prison in March 2016. While in Russian custody, Savchenko was elected to the Ukrainian parliament and was seen as a symbol of anti-Russian strength in Ukraine.

Thanh Hien

(According to Reuters)