On the occasion of Easter the leaders of the self-proclaimed Republic of Donetsk released 16 Ukrainian soldiers as a gesture of goodwill.
They were captured during the battles in Debaltseve and Donetsk airports. This act by the leaders of Donetsk is not within the scope of prisoner exchange; it was a unilateral gesture. The hope that Kiev will respond to this gesture and free their prisoners as well. The number of the latter exceeds 1300 including civilians.
