Prisoner exchange in Donetsk
For months, pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian forces have fought for control of towns and cities across Ukraine’s industrial east, in a conflict that has claimed the lives of over 3,000 people.
The two sides exchanged prisoners-of-war in Donetsk under the terms of a ceasefire, despite the fact that fighting continued, and as the sound of artillery fire resonated in the background.
A Ukrainian serviceman sits at a checkpoint during the prisoners-of-war exchange.
Others secure the area.
Pro-Russian rebels, who are prisoners-of-war, stand along a road as they wait to be released.
Others wait front of a bus.
Pro-Russian rebels are silhouetted while sitting inside a bus.
A driver sits inside his vehicle.
Ukrainians, who had been captured by pro-Russian rebels, are seen through a bus window after their release.
A Ukrainian serviceman instructs a pro-Russian rebel.
Freed Ukrainian prisoners walk along a road.
Others react next to an Ukrainian soldier.
Ukrainian prisoners-of-war stand with a soldier after they were freed.
Released Ukrainian government forces walk along a road.
A Ukrainian serviceman sits at a checkpoint during the prisoner swap.
