Ukraine: Russia Captured 700 Ukrainian Soldiers

Ukraine announced that about 700 Ukrainian soldiers and more than 1,000 citizens are still in Russia's captivity.

This came in statements made by Iryna Vereshchuk, the Minister of Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine on the national television, according to "Ukrinform" news agency on Saturday.

"The Russian have captured more than 1,000 civilians, including 500 women. We will not exchange any soldiers for civilians because Geneva Conventions forbid this. We demand the unconditional release of civilians, Vereshchuk said.

The minister added that the number of prisoners of war between the two sides is roughly equal, Ukraine has about 700 Russian POWs and Russia has about 700 of Ukrainian soldiers.

Vereshchuk, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, emphasized that the Russian were not in compliance with the Geneva Convention related to the treatment of prisoners.

Contributed by Israa Farhan