OREANDA-NEWS Russia has returned 49 captured fighters of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) as part of the exchange. This was stated by the President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky in his Telegram channel.

Zelensky announced the return of 49 Ukrainian soldiers as part of a prisoner exchange. They reportedly include servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard of Ukraine, employees of the National Police and the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.

"I thank our entire team, which ensures the release of prisoners and hostages," the politician wrote. He stressed the need for the return of all Ukrainian military prisoners.

Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Zelensky could launch an invasion of the Kursk region to seize territories and prisoners.