Putin and Trump agree to prisoner exchange, Russia says
Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump have agreed to a prisoner swap days after the US president branded his Russian counterpart 'crazy .' The prisoner swap was revealed Tuesday by Russia 's foreign minister Sergey Lavrov , who praised Trump as 'a man who wants results' as he spoke at an event in Turkey. Lavrov said the prisoner swap was agreed amid negotiations over the end of the war in Ukraine, which he sensationally accused European nations of attempting to 'sabotage.'
As Lavrov announced the prisoner swap, sources told the Kyiv Post that Trump was 'seriously considering' lifting all restrictions on how Ukraine uses weapons on Russia. The US State Department did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request for details on which prisoners are set to be exchanged. Tuesday's breakthrough comes four days after Trump separately revealed that a 'major prisoners swap' had taken place between Russia and Ukraine, believed to involve up to 1,000 prisoners on each side.
Trump posted on his Truth Social platform at the time that the massive exchange 'could lead to something big' , but did not offer details on what he wanted for brokering the deal. If the latest prisoner swap between the US and Russia goes ahead, it will be the first since American teacher Marc Fogel was returned to the US in February after over three years in a Russian prison. A number of Americans remain in Russian prisons that could form part of the deal, including 72-year-old Stephen Hubbard, who was sentenced last year to almost seven years in jail for fighting for Ukraine in the war.
American soldier Gordon Black, 35, a US staff sergeant, also remains in a Russian jail after he was arrested in May 2024 on dubious theft charges . The developments come after a whirlwind weekend of diplomacy from Trump where he told reporters on Saturday that he was 'absolutely' considering imposing new sanctions on Russia. The next day, Trump launched into a blistering attack on Putin where he said the Russian leader has gone 'absolutely crazy.'
Trump condemned the Russians for escalating their strikes on Ukraine while negotiations were ongoing, which he said was resulting in the 'needless killing of a lot of people.' In a chilling warning about the future of the former Soviet nation if the bloodshed continues, Trump said Putin's war 'will lead to the downfall of Russia.' 'I've always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him,' Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform at the time. The Kremlin initially hit back as it suggested that Trump was suffering from the 'emotional overload' of brokering major peace deals across the globe.
'We are really grateful to the Americans and to President Trump personally for their assistance in organizing and launching this negotiation process,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said when asked about the Trump remarks about Putin. 'Of course, at the same time, this is a very crucial moment, which is associated, of course, with the emotional overload of everyone absolutely and with emotional reactions.'
Just a day later, Lavrov has now praised Trump as a 'man who wants results' in a major breakthrough for the hostile nations. Trump previously faced backlash for his remarks on Sunday about Putin, with critics saying he was naive for believing 'something has happened' to the Russian dictator. He said he believes Putin 'wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it,' after some observers said it appeared Trump wanted Ukraine to give up its recently lost territory in exchange for peace.
Trump added at the time: 'This is a War that would never have started if I were President. This is Zelenskyy's, Putin's, and Biden's War, not 'Trump's.' 'I am only helping to put out the big and ugly fires, that have been started through Gross Incompetence and Hatred.'
Despite his very blunt words for Putin, Trump also included a caveat that Ukraine is not completely absolved of fault for the devastating war. 'Likewise, President Zelenskyy is doing his Country no favors by talking the way he does,' he said, reigniting the tension between the two leaders.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Guardian
15 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Kharkiv hit by ‘most powerful attack since start of war' in Ukraine
Russia has attacked the second largest Ukrainian city of Kharkiv with drones, missiles and guided bombs, killing at least three people and injuring 22, including a one-month-old baby, the mayor, Ihor Terekhov, said. Kharkiv is located just a few dozen kilometres from the Russian border and has been under constant shelling during more than three years of war. 'It was a horrible morning in Kharkiv, which was hit by 48 Shaheds [Russain attack drones], four guided bombs and two missiles. Civilian infrastructure and residential buildings were hit," Terekhov told Reuters.
Daily Mail
19 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Ready, set, bake! Nutrichef cookware and bakeware set makes it easy and fun - now up to 23% off at Amazon
This top-rated cookware and bakeware brand on Amazon will have you saying yes chef, with $29 off! NutriChef is the brand bringing kitchen pros and newbies alike top-tier cookware at unbeatable low prices. With thousands of rave reviews, the popular kitchen brand continues to be an Amazon bestseller with a plethora of products that suit every sized home and every aesthetic. NutriChef Professional 20 Pc Kitchen Set in Navy Blue If you are looking for the perfect entry cookware set this is a great option! Currently 15 percent off, this gorgeous navy blue set comes with the everything you need to nail the basics (plus some bonus items!). From a top-tier cupcake tray to multiple utensils, this set has everything you need to explore the kitchen for years to come. $160 (was $189) Shop Whether you're buying your very first set or looking for a reliable upgrade, NutriChef has a wide range of amazing options available now, all on sale for up to 23 percent off. Explore non-stick options, vibrant color combinations, and so much more for under $300! One set we have our eye on this summer is the brand's best-selling NutriChef Professional 20-Piece Kitchen Set. The navy blue set comes with everything you need to get started in the kitchen (and then some!), including pots, pans, and utensils. What we love about this set is that it is perfect for those looking for an affordable but reliable entry-level set. Priced at only $160, the set includes three pots, four frying pans, a strainer, and three utensils. NutriChef 54 Piece Professional Grade Complete Home Kitchen Cookware Set The motherload of kitchen sets is HERE! This set has a whopping 54 pieces in it and is tailor made for those looking to chef it up. It includes multiple frying pans, pots, knives, cutting boards, and more. Right now it is a shocking 23 percent off making it only $215 — an insanely good price for the value. $215 (was $280) Shop Users can not believe the value, with one saying: 'I LOVE these pots and pans! So happy I chose them. Nothing sticks to them, and they are beautiful! All the extras you get are awesome!' Nearly all of the Nutrichef cookware and bakeware also have an impressive non-stick coating that makes cooking a breeze. Unlike most brands that claim 'non-stick,' Nutrichef keeps its promise with quality results. Users across the board agree, with one saying: 'I have never in my life owned a pan that claimed to be non-stick that was actually non-stick! NutriChef 22-Piece Black Marble Non-Stick Cookware and Bakeware Set Restock your kitchen with top-notch tools! This set has everything you need with 22 tools that include pots, pans, oven mitts, and more. Whether baking cookies or brewing stew for the whole family — this non-stick coated cookware will have your back through it all. When you shop now you can save 14 percent off. $172 (was $200) Shop 'I was able to make pancakes without cooking spray and fried eggs without butter or oil, and nothing stuck! I feel they are very, very durable, and it was a great purchase.' Cooking should be fun, and with NutriChef, you can put the ease back into it! Whether you love to bake cupcakes, sear steak, or boil your family's favorite pasta recipe — these incredible (and generously sized!) sets will get the job done without a hitch. Cook up a good time all summer long when you shop one of these bestselling NutriChef sets off Amazon while you can still save up to 23 percent off!
Daily Mail
21 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
JD Vance reveals how President Trump really feels about Elon's attacks and reacts to awkward call for impeachment
Vice President JD Vance revealed behind-the-scenes details of Elon Musk 's blow-up on social media on Friday and President Donald Trump 's reaction. Vance spoke about the incident in a podcast interview with comedian Theo Von that was recorded on Thursday as the fight between the pair of billionaires escalated. The vice president found himself reacting in real time to some of Musk's posts on X during the interview, including an awkward post where Musk endorsed the idea of impeaching President Trump and installing Vance as president. 'I just think the idea that the president should be impeached, I'm sorry, it's insane. It's totally insane, Vance said, describing Musk's social media tirade as 'not helpful.' He said that obviously Musk had the First Amendment right to disagree with the president but that it was a mistake for him to attack Trump. Vance also shot down Musk's claim that the president was 'in the Epstein files' even though he admitted he hadn't even seen the post before the interview. 'Absolutely not. Donald Trump didn't do anything wrong with Jeffrey Epstein. Like, there's the guy is whatever the Democrats and the media says about him, that's totally BS,' he said. The vice president was with the president when Musk's criticism of Trump began, but had not seen all the posts as he traveled to Nashville for the interview with Vonn. Theo Von asks JD Vance about Elon Musk's attacks against President Trump 'I know the president, for a couple of days, I'll tell you, I don't want to reveal too many confidences, but he was getting a little frustrated, feeling like some of the criticisms were unfair coming from Elon,' he said. Vance said that Trump was actually quite restrained in his response to Musk, again asserting that Musk's attacks were not good for the country. 'But I think it's been very restrained because the president doesn't think that he needs to be in a blood feud with Elon Musk. I actually think if Elon chilled out a little bit, everything would be fine,' he said. Musk signaled his opposition to the 'Big Beautiful Bill' on Thursday and posted criticism of the president on social media. Trump responded to Musk in real time, speaking to reporters during his meeting with the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio sat beside the president as he spoke, but did not speak about Musk themselves. The president's comments in the Oval Office further aggravated Musk, after clips of the news conference made their way to his social media feed. The highly-anticipated interview between Vance and Von was the first time the vice president spoke on camera about the feud. He reserved his public reaction for several hours as Musk fumed on social media about the president. The vice president defended President Trump on social media Friday morning. 'There are many lies the corporate media tells about President Trump. One of the most glaring is that he's impulsive or short-tempered,' Vance wrote on X. 'Anyone who has seen him operate under pressure knows that's ridiculous. It's (maybe) the single biggest disconnect between fake media perception and reality,' he continued. The vice president teased his interview with Von on social media, joking that he had no idea what they would talk about. Musk shared the post with a laugh-crying emoji, suggesting that the vice president had lightened the mood. Vance also posted a statement in support of Trump late in the evening. 'President Trump has done more than any person in my lifetime to earn the trust of the movement he leads. I'm proud to stand beside him,' Vance wrote at 10:30 pm EST on X. Vance has sided with Trump, but has demonstrated caution about attacking Musk, as he is still a very powerful and influential political donor. The vice president considers Musk a friend, and he defended the unpredictable billionaire as he prepared to exit the administration as a special advisor. 'I am going to miss him. Elon's become a very good friend,' Vance told Newsmax host Greg Kelly in an interview last week. Vance and Musk already had a relationship prior to the campaign, but their friendship has deepened since the election. 'He and his kids have come to our house and had dinner with our kids. I'm very close to him,' Vance said.
