Ukraine and Russian-Backed Rebel Forces Exchange 67 Prisoners in Peace Deal

 
DONETSK, Ukraine –Last night, In the dead of night, Ukrainian troops and Russian-backed rebel forces exchanged 67 prisoners who had been captured during fighting in eastern Ukraine, part of a cease-fire deal that has struggled to succeed…..

The transfer took place in the dark outside of the main rebel stronghold of Donetsk under the watch of international observers.

36 Ukrainian servicemen were released and Ukrainian forces handed over 31 pro-Russian rebels detained over the five-month conflict, some of them Russian citizens.

The cease-fire took effect a week ago but has been routinely violated.