"The largest since World War II": an exchange of prisoners between Russia and Western countries took place

This was reported by NTV, referring to the Turkish National Intelligence Organisation (MIT).

MIT acted as an intermediary in the implementation of the exchange operation, so it took place in Ankara. American and Russian planes landed at Esenboga airport.

The exchange operation will take place today under the coordination of our organisation. Our organisation has taken the main mediating role in the most comprehensive exchange operation in the recent period," the national intelligence agency said.

According to media reports, 26 people are involved in the exchange operation. Among them are prisoners from the United States, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, Russia and Belarus.

As part of the operation, 10 hostages, including two children, were handed over to Russia, 13 hostages - to Germany and 3 hostages - to the US," it said.

Among the prisoners exchanged in Ankara, journalists name German mercenary Rico Krieger, who was held in Belarus, Russian opposition activist Ilya Yashin and FSB Colonel Vadim Krasikov, held in Germany.