Donetsk, Nov 29 – DAN. Donetsk and Lugansk at the today's meeting in Minsk have confirmed their readiness to exchange detainees with Kiev, said DPR envoy to the negotiations Denis Pushilin’s press secretary Viktoria Talakina.
"DPR and LPR are ready for the POWs exchange before the New Year and Christmas, as it was announced today by the Republics representatives Denis Pushilin and Vladislav Deinego. The Republics stand ready to carry out the swap in accordance with the approved lists," she said.
"Bringing the detainees home is the best possible present for their families."
The last exchange between Donbass and Ukraine took place in the autumn 2016, more than a year ago. Since that time all attempts to coordinate a new swop failed as Kiev protracted talks creating problems and pretexts. The telephone call from Russian President Vladimir Putin to DPR and LPR leaders broke the ice on November 15, as the initiative of Ukrainian special representative for humanitarian issues Viktor Medvedchuk concerning the POWs swap was discussed. Shortly after, the DPR announced it is willing for the exchange which is to take place before the year ends. *ot