Ukraine/Rebels Prisoner Exchange

Al Jazzera reported that Ukraine and separatist rebels have recently exchanged prisoners related to a cease-fire agreement. According to the Al Jazeera article,

“The transfer took place in the early morning hours outside the main rebel stronghold of Donetsk under the watch of international observers.

Thirty-six Ukrainian servicemen were released after negotiations and a further 21 soldiers were freed the day before, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said.

Ukrainian forces handed over 31 pro-Russian rebels detained over the course of the five-month conflict.”

I will be interesting to see if this will continue to build upon prior outreach to end any violence in the region. Also, it will be interesting to see Russia’s response to this, if they make a comment. Given that it seems they have continued to back rebel forces, they may want to have a say in the recent prisoner exchange.

Again, this is far from saying the conflict is over. Thus, in order to see an end, various sides will most likely be analyzing what they think they can achieve, versus their objectives. This also comes at the heels of NATO discussing and pledging additional support for the Ukraine, although what this entails exactly is not exactly clear.