(250524) -- KIEV, May 24, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov welcomes the released Ukrainians back to Ukraine, May 23, 2025. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday announced that 390 Ukrainians returned home from captivity during the first stage of prisoner exchange with Russia under the "1,000 for 1,000 formula".

Ukraine and Russia reached a deal on the largest swap of their captives during a meeting in Trkiye's Istanbul on May 16. (Photo by Peter Druk/Xinhua)