Russia, Ukraine Swap Prisoners As Drone Attacks Escalate Ahead Of Easter Ceasefire

Last Updated:April 11, 2026, 17:55 IST

Russia and Ukraine swap 175 prisoners each via UAE mediation, but trade heavy drone strikes before Orthodox Easter truce.

Russia and Ukraine exchanged prisoners on Saturday but also carried out fresh drone strikes on each other, just hours before a temporary ceasefire for Orthodox Easter was set to take effect, officials said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country would respond “in kind" to any violations of the truce by Russia.

Both sides confirmed that 175 prisoners of war were exchanged each, marking a rare instance of cooperation amid the ongoing conflict.

The exchange was mediated by the United Arab Emirates, according to Russia’s defence ministry.

However, tensions remained high ahead of the ceasefire. Ukrainian authorities said Russia launched at least 160 drones overnight, killing four people in eastern and southern regions and injuring dozens.

The southern Odesa region was among the worst affected, with two fatalities and significant damage to civilian infrastructure reported.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone strikes triggered a fire at an oil depot and damaged residential buildings in Russia’s Krasnodar region, officials said.

The developments underscore the fragile nature of the truce, even as both sides engage in limited cooperation such as prisoner exchanges.

News world Russia, Ukraine Swap Prisoners As Drone Attacks Escalate Ahead Of Easter Ceasefire

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