The two sides have exchanged hundreds of captive soldiers since Russia began its military assault on Ukraine in February 2022, in one of the few areas of cooperation.
“We are working to free everyone from Russian captivity. This is our goal. We do not forget anyone,” Zelenskyy said.
Ukraine said on Monday that Moscow had released a total of 3,956 people – soldiers and civilians – in deals with Kyiv since the start of the conflict.
A video published by Russia’s human rights commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova showed soldiers gathered outside buses, wearing winter clothes and military fatigues.
“I thank you for your service, patience and courage,” Moskalkova said, wishing them a happy New Year’s holiday.
“Very soon our guys will embrace their relatives and friends and celebrate the New Year in their native land,” she wrote in a Telegram message accompanying the video.
