Trump applauds Ukraine-Russia prisoner trade

U.S. President Donald Trump is praising the exchange of prisoners carried out by Russia and Ukraine.

United States President Donald J. Trump arrives to deliver remarks at the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) Spring Dinner at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC, USA, 02 April 2019. [Photo: EPA via IC/Ron Sachs]

Each country sent 35 freed prisoners to the other on Saturday. The trade could give new impetus to efforts to end a five-year conflict Russian-backed separatists are fighting in Ukraine's east, as well as improve longstanding poor relations between the two countries.

Trump tweeted: "Russia and Ukraine just swapped large numbers of prisoners. Very good news, perhaps a first giant step to peace. Congratulations to both countries!"