'Seventh heaven': Tears and laughter as Ukrainian POWs return

Chernigiv Region, Ukraine: Waxy and emaciated, Konstantin Steblev spoke to his mother for the first time in three years after being released as part o...

Chernigiv Region, Ukraine: Waxy and emaciated, Konstantin Steblev spoke to his mother for the first time in three years after being released as part of the biggest ever prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine.

"Hello mum, how are you?," the 31-year-old soldier said, moments after stepping back onto Ukrainian soil on Friday.

"I love you. Don't be sad. It wasn't my fault. I promised I would come back safe and sound," he said, smiling but with watery eyes.

Steblev, who was captured at the start of Russia's invasion, was one of 390 military and civilian prisoners released in exchange for 390 sent back to Russia.

More swaps are expected on Saturday and Sunday to bring the total to 1,000 for 1,000 as agreed in talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul last week.