Easter release for POWs

More than 100 Ukrainian prisoners of war have been released as part of a major Easter exchange with Russia, a top official said yesterday, as Orthodox Ukrainians marked the holiday for a second time since Moscow unleashed its brutal full-scale war last February.

While celebrations were subdued due to security risks, Ukrainian authorities and ordinary people shared messages of hope, linking the story of Jesus' resurrection to their longing for peace and a Ukrainian victory.

Dozens of families had special reasons to rejoice, as presidential adviser Andriy Yermak said 130 soldiers, sailors, border guards and others Moscow captured were back home following a "big Easter prisoner exchange."

He said they included troops who fought near Bakhmut, the eastern mining city that has for months been the focus of Russia's attack.