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No let-up in hostilities in Ukraine despite prisoner swap

Ukrainian soldier Mykhailo Dianov, who was released in a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine shows a V-sign in a city hospital in Chernihiv, Ukraine,Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Ukraine announced a high-profile prisoner swap early Thursday that culminated months of efforts to free many of the Ukrainian fighters who defended a steel plant in Mariupol during a long Russian siege. (AP Photo/Iryna Timofeeva) People charge their phones and electronic devices powered by a generator in the recently retaken area of Izium, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) A man walks past debris of the destroyed school of arts after recent shelling in Chasiv Yar, Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Russian and Ukrainian forces exchanged missile and artillery barrages on Thursday as both sides refused to concede ground despite recent military setbacks for Moscow and the toll on the invaded country after almost seven months of war. (AP Photo/Andriy Andriyenko) Workers clean out the debris of a damaged hotel in the central park of Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Russian missile strikes left one person dead on Thursday, a 65-year-old hotel worker. The Zaporizhzhia region is one of four in which Russia plans to hold referendums starting Friday on becoming part of Russia, but the city itself is in Ukrainian hand. (AP Photo/Hanna Arhirova) People cross a street with a billboard reading "How to get a passport of a citizen of Russia" prior to a referendum in Luhansk, Luhansk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Authorities in Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are preparing to hold referendums on becoming part of Russia's a move that could allow Moscow to escalate the war. The votes start Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. (AP Photo) Members of Donetsk regional referendum committee attach a poster with writing reading "District referendum committee nr. 17008" on a door of polling station, prior to a referendum in Donetsk, Donetsk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. The separatist leaders of four Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine say they are planning to hold referendums this week for the territories to become part of Russia as Moscow loses ground in the war it launched. The votes will be held in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. (AP Photo) A volunteer of Luhansk regional election commission, right, distributes newspapers to local citizens prior to a referendum in Luhansk, Luhansk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Authorities in Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are preparing to hold referendums on becoming part of Russia's a move that could allow Moscow to escalate the war. The votes start Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. Writing on newspaper reads in Russian "27.09 Yes." (AP Photo) A Donetsk People's Republic serviceman stands guard at a polling station prior to a referendum in Donetsk, Donetsk People's Republic, controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Authorities in Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are preparing to hold referendums on becoming part of Russia's a move that could allow Moscow to escalate the war. The votes start Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. (AP Photo) A volunteer of Luhansk regional election commission distributes newspapers to local citizens prior to a referendum in Luhansk, Luhansk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Authorities in Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are preparing to hold referendums on becoming part of Russia — a move that could allow Moscow to escalate the war. The votes start Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. Writing on newspaper reads in Russian "27.09 Yes." (AP Photo) Ukrainian soldier Mykhailo Dianov, who was released in a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine shows a V-sign in a city hospital in Chernihiv, Ukraine,Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Ukraine announced a high-profile prisoner swap early Thursday that culminated months of efforts to free many of the Ukrainian fighters who defended a steel plant in Mariupol during a long Russian siege. (AP Photo/Iryna Timofeeva) People charge their phones and electronic devices powered by a generator in the recently retaken area of Izium, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) A man walks past debris of the destroyed school of arts after recent shelling in Chasiv Yar, Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Russian and Ukrainian forces exchanged missile and artillery barrages on Thursday as both sides refused to concede ground despite recent military setbacks for Moscow and the toll on the invaded country after almost seven months of war. (AP Photo/Andriy Andriyenko) Workers clean out the debris of a damaged hotel in the central park of Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Russian missile strikes left one person dead on Thursday, a 65-year-old hotel worker. The Zaporizhzhia region is one of four in which Russia plans to hold referendums starting Friday on becoming part of Russia, but the city itself is in Ukrainian hand. (AP Photo/Hanna Arhirova) People cross a street with a billboard reading "How to get a passport of a citizen of Russia" prior to a referendum in Luhansk, Luhansk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Authorities in Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are preparing to hold referendums on becoming part of Russia's a move that could allow Moscow to escalate the war. The votes start Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. (AP Photo) Members of Donetsk regional referendum committee attach a poster with writing reading "District referendum committee nr. 17008" on a door of polling station, prior to a referendum in Donetsk, Donetsk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. The separatist leaders of four Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine say they are planning to hold referendums this week for the territories to become part of Russia as Moscow loses ground in the war it launched. The votes will be held in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. (AP Photo) A volunteer of Luhansk regional election commission, right, distributes newspapers to local citizens prior to a referendum in Luhansk, Luhansk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Authorities in Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are preparing to hold referendums on becoming part of Russia's a move that could allow Moscow to escalate the war. The votes start Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. Writing on newspaper reads in Russian "27.09 Yes." (AP Photo) A Donetsk People's Republic serviceman stands guard at a polling station prior to a referendum in Donetsk, Donetsk People's Republic, controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Authorities in Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are preparing to hold referendums on becoming part of Russia's a move that could allow Moscow to escalate the war. The votes start Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. (AP Photo) A volunteer of Luhansk regional election commission distributes newspapers to local citizens prior to a referendum in Luhansk, Luhansk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Authorities in Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are preparing to hold referendums on becoming part of Russia — a move that could allow Moscow to escalate the war. The votes start Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. Writing on newspaper reads in Russian "27.09 Yes." (AP Photo) Ukrainian soldier Mykhailo Dianov, who was released in a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine shows a V-sign in a city hospital in Chernihiv, Ukraine,Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Ukraine announced a high-profile prisoner swap early Thursday that culminated months of efforts to free many of the Ukrainian fighters who defended a steel plant in Mariupol during a long Russian siege. (AP Photo/Iryna Timofeeva) People charge their phones and electronic devices powered by a generator in the recently retaken area of Izium, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) A man walks past debris of the destroyed school of arts after recent shelling in Chasiv Yar, Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Russian and Ukrainian forces exchanged missile and artillery barrages on Thursday as both sides refused to concede ground despite recent military setbacks for Moscow and the toll on the invaded country after almost seven months of war. (AP Photo/Andriy Andriyenko) Workers clean out the debris of a damaged hotel in the central park of Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Russian missile strikes left one person dead on Thursday, a 65-year-old hotel worker. The Zaporizhzhia region is one of four in which Russia plans to hold referendums starting Friday on becoming part of Russia, but the city itself is in Ukrainian hand. (AP Photo/Hanna Arhirova) People cross a street with a billboard reading "How to get a passport of a citizen of Russia" prior to a referendum in Luhansk, Luhansk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Authorities in Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are preparing to hold referendums on becoming part of Russia's a move that could allow Moscow to escalate the war. The votes start Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. (AP Photo) Members of Donetsk regional referendum committee attach a poster with writing reading "District referendum committee nr. 17008" on a door of polling station, prior to a referendum in Donetsk, Donetsk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. The separatist leaders of four Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine say they are planning to hold referendums this week for the territories to become part of Russia as Moscow loses ground in the war it launched. The votes will be held in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. (AP Photo) A volunteer of Luhansk regional election commission, right, distributes newspapers to local citizens prior to a referendum in Luhansk, Luhansk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Authorities in Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are preparing to hold referendums on becoming part of Russia's a move that could allow Moscow to escalate the war. The votes start Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. Writing on newspaper reads in Russian "27.09 Yes." (AP Photo) A Donetsk People's Republic serviceman stands guard at a polling station prior to a referendum in Donetsk, Donetsk People's Republic, controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Authorities in Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are preparing to hold referendums on becoming part of Russia's a move that could allow Moscow to escalate the war. The votes start Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. (AP Photo) A volunteer of Luhansk regional election commission distributes newspapers to local citizens prior to a referendum in Luhansk, Luhansk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Authorities in Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are preparing to hold referendums on becoming part of Russia — a move that could allow Moscow to escalate the war. The votes start Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. Writing on newspaper reads in Russian "27.09 Yes." (AP Photo) FILE - Chairman of Ukraine’s pro-Russian Opposition Platform-For Life party Viktor Medvedchuk stands as he waits to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, March 10, 2020. Ukraine announced a high-profile prisoner swap early Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022 that was the culmination of months of efforts to free many of the Ukrainian fighters who defended a steel plant in Mariupol during a long Russian siege. In exchange, Ukraine gave up Medvedchuk, a prominent ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and 55 other prisoners. (Alexei Nikolsky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File) Ukrainian soldier Mykhailo Dianov, who was released in a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine shows a V-sign in a city hospital in Chernihiv, Ukraine,Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Ukraine announced a high-profile prisoner swap early Thursday that culminated months of efforts to free many of the Ukrainian fighters who defended a steel plant in Mariupol during a long Russian siege. (AP Photo/Iryna Timofeeva) People charge their phones and electronic devices powered by a generator in the recently retaken area of Izium, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) A man walks past debris of the destroyed school of arts after recent shelling in Chasiv Yar, Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Russian and Ukrainian forces exchanged missile and artillery barrages on Thursday as both sides refused to concede ground despite recent military setbacks for Moscow and the toll on the invaded country after almost seven months of war. (AP Photo/Andriy Andriyenko) People cross a street with a billboard reading "How to get a passport of a citizen of Russia" prior to a referendum in Luhansk, Luhansk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Authorities in Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are preparing to hold referendums on becoming part of Russia's a move that could allow Moscow to escalate the war. The votes start Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. (AP Photo) Members of Donetsk regional referendum committee attach a poster with writing reading "District referendum committee nr. 17008" on a door of polling station, prior to a referendum in Donetsk, Donetsk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. The separatist leaders of four Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine say they are planning to hold referendums this week for the territories to become part of Russia as Moscow loses ground in the war it launched. The votes will be held in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. (AP Photo) A volunteer of Luhansk regional election commission, right, distributes newspapers to local citizens prior to a referendum in Luhansk, Luhansk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Authorities in Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are preparing to hold referendums on becoming part of Russia's a move that could allow Moscow to escalate the war. The votes start Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. Writing on newspaper reads in Russian "27.09 Yes." (AP Photo) A Donetsk People's Republic serviceman stands guard at a polling station prior to a referendum in Donetsk, Donetsk People's Republic, controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Authorities in Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are preparing to hold referendums on becoming part of Russia's a move that could allow Moscow to escalate the war. The votes start Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. (AP Photo) A volunteer of Luhansk regional election commission distributes newspapers to local citizens prior to a referendum in Luhansk, Luhansk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Authorities in Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are preparing to hold referendums on becoming part of Russia — a move that could allow Moscow to escalate the war. The votes start Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. Writing on newspaper reads in Russian "27.09 Yes." (AP Photo) FILE - Chairman of Ukraine’s pro-Russian Opposition Platform-For Life party Viktor Medvedchuk stands as he waits to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, March 10, 2020. Ukraine announced a high-profile prisoner swap early Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022 that was the culmination of months of efforts to free many of the Ukrainian fighters who defended a steel plant in Mariupol during a long Russian siege. In exchange, Ukraine gave up Medvedchuk, a prominent ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and 55 other prisoners. (Alexei Nikolsky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File) Ukrainian soldier Mykhailo Dianov, who was released in a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine shows a V-sign in a city hospital in Chernihiv, Ukraine,Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Ukraine announced a high-profile prisoner swap early Thursday that culminated months of efforts to free many of the Ukrainian fighters who defended a steel plant in Mariupol during a long Russian siege. (AP Photo/Iryna Timofeeva) People charge their phones and electronic devices powered by a generator in the recently retaken area of Izium, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) A man walks past debris of the destroyed school of arts after recent shelling in Chasiv Yar, Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Russian and Ukrainian forces exchanged missile and artillery barrages on Thursday as both sides refused to concede ground despite recent military setbacks for Moscow and the toll on the invaded country after almost seven months of war. (AP Photo/Andriy Andriyenko) People cross a street with a billboard reading "How to get a passport of a citizen of Russia" prior to a referendum in Luhansk, Luhansk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Authorities in Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are preparing to hold referendums on becoming part of Russia's a move that could allow Moscow to escalate the war. The votes start Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. (AP Photo) Members of Donetsk regional referendum committee attach a poster with writing reading "District referendum committee nr. 17008" on a door of polling station, prior to a referendum in Donetsk, Donetsk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. The separatist leaders of four Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine say they are planning to hold referendums this week for the territories to become part of Russia as Moscow loses ground in the war it launched. The votes will be held in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. (AP Photo) A volunteer of Luhansk regional election commission, right, distributes newspapers to local citizens prior to a referendum in Luhansk, Luhansk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Authorities in Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are preparing to hold referendums on becoming part of Russia's a move that could allow Moscow to escalate the war. The votes start Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. Writing on newspaper reads in Russian "27.09 Yes." (AP Photo) A Donetsk People's Republic serviceman stands guard at a polling station prior to a referendum in Donetsk, Donetsk People's Republic, controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Authorities in Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are preparing to hold referendums on becoming part of Russia's a move that could allow Moscow to escalate the war. The votes start Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. (AP Photo) A volunteer of Luhansk regional election commission distributes newspapers to local citizens prior to a referendum in Luhansk, Luhansk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Authorities in Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are preparing to hold referendums on becoming part of Russia — a move that could allow Moscow to escalate the war. The votes start Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. Writing on newspaper reads in Russian "27.09 Yes." (AP Photo) FILE - Chairman of Ukraine’s pro-Russian Opposition Platform-For Life party Viktor Medvedchuk stands as he waits to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, March 10, 2020. Ukraine announced a high-profile prisoner swap early Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022 that was the culmination of months of efforts to free many of the Ukrainian fighters who defended a steel plant in Mariupol during a long Russian siege. In exchange, Ukraine gave up Medvedchuk, a prominent ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and 55 other prisoners. (Alexei Nikolsky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File) FILE - Ukrainian Interior Minister Denys Monastyrsky, second left, talks with Azov regiment commander Denys Prokopenko, second right, who was released in a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, in Chernyhiv, Ukraine, late Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. Ukraine announced a high-profile prisoner swap early Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022 that was the culmination of months of efforts to free many of the Ukrainian fighters who defended a steel plant in Mariupol during a long Russian siege. In exchange, Ukraine gave up a prominent ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and 55 other prisoners. (Ukrainian Interior Ministry Press Office via AP, File) A volunteer of Luhansk regional election commission distributes newspapers to local citizens prior to a referendum in Luhansk, Luhansk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Authorities in Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are preparing to hold referendums on becoming part of Russia — a move that could allow Moscow to escalate the war. The votes start Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. Writing on newspaper reads in Russian "27.09 Yes." (AP Photo) A volunteer of Luhansk regional election commission, right, distributes newspapers to local citizens prior to a referendum in Luhansk, Luhansk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Authorities in Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are preparing to hold referendums on becoming part of Russia's a move that could allow Moscow to escalate the war. The votes start Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. Writing on newspaper reads in Russian "27.09 Yes." (AP Photo) Members of Donetsk regional referendum committee attach a poster with writing reading "District referendum committee nr. 17008" on a door of polling station, prior to a referendum in Donetsk, Donetsk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. The separatist leaders of four Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine say they are planning to hold referendums this week for the territories to become part of Russia as Moscow loses ground in the war it launched. The votes will be held in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. (AP Photo) People charge their phones and electronic devices powered by a generator in the recently retaken area of Izium, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) FILE - Chairman of Ukraine’s pro-Russian Opposition Platform-For Life party Viktor Medvedchuk stands as he waits to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, March 10, 2020. Ukraine announced a high-profile prisoner swap early Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022 that was the culmination of months of efforts to free many of the Ukrainian fighters who defended a steel plant in Mariupol during a long Russian siege. In exchange, Ukraine gave up Medvedchuk, a prominent ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and 55 other prisoners. (Alexei Nikolsky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File) FILE - Ukrainian Interior Minister Denys Monastyrsky, second left, talks with Azov regiment commander Denys Prokopenko, second right, who was released in a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, in Chernyhiv, Ukraine, late Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. Ukraine announced a high-profile prisoner swap early Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022 that was the culmination of months of efforts to free many of the Ukrainian fighters who defended a steel plant in Mariupol during a long Russian siege. In exchange, Ukraine gave up a prominent ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and 55 other prisoners. (Ukrainian Interior Ministry Press Office via AP, File) A volunteer of Luhansk regional election commission distributes newspapers to local citizens prior to a referendum in Luhansk, Luhansk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Authorities in Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are preparing to hold referendums on becoming part of Russia — a move that could allow Moscow to escalate the war. The votes start Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. Writing on newspaper reads in Russian "27.09 Yes." (AP Photo) A volunteer of Luhansk regional election commission, right, distributes newspapers to local citizens prior to a referendum in Luhansk, Luhansk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Authorities in Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are preparing to hold referendums on becoming part of Russia's a move that could allow Moscow to escalate the war. The votes start Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. Writing on newspaper reads in Russian "27.09 Yes." (AP Photo) Members of Donetsk regional referendum committee attach a poster with writing reading "District referendum committee nr. 17008" on a door of polling station, prior to a referendum in Donetsk, Donetsk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. The separatist leaders of four Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine say they are planning to hold referendums this week for the territories to become part of Russia as Moscow loses ground in the war it launched. The votes will be held in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. (AP Photo) People charge their phones and electronic devices powered by a generator in the recently retaken area of Izium, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) FILE - Chairman of Ukraine’s pro-Russian Opposition Platform-For Life party Viktor Medvedchuk stands as he waits to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, March 10, 2020. Ukraine announced a high-profile prisoner swap early Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022 that was the culmination of months of efforts to free many of the Ukrainian fighters who defended a steel plant in Mariupol during a long Russian siege. In exchange, Ukraine gave up Medvedchuk, a prominent ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and 55 other prisoners. (Alexei Nikolsky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File) FILE - Ukrainian Interior Minister Denys Monastyrsky, second left, talks with Azov regiment commander Denys Prokopenko, second right, who was released in a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, in Chernyhiv, Ukraine, late Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. Ukraine announced a high-profile prisoner swap early Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022 that was the culmination of months of efforts to free many of the Ukrainian fighters who defended a steel plant in Mariupol during a long Russian siege. In exchange, Ukraine gave up a prominent ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and 55 other prisoners. (Ukrainian Interior Ministry Press Office via AP, File) A volunteer of Luhansk regional election commission distributes newspapers to local citizens prior to a referendum in Luhansk, Luhansk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Authorities in Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are preparing to hold referendums on becoming part of Russia — a move that could allow Moscow to escalate the war. The votes start Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. Writing on newspaper reads in Russian "27.09 Yes." (AP Photo) A volunteer of Luhansk regional election commission, right, distributes newspapers to local citizens prior to a referendum in Luhansk, Luhansk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Authorities in Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are preparing to hold referendums on becoming part of Russia's a move that could allow Moscow to escalate the war. The votes start Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. Writing on newspaper reads in Russian "27.09 Yes." (AP Photo) Members of Donetsk regional referendum committee attach a poster with writing reading "District referendum committee nr. 17008" on a door of polling station, prior to a referendum in Donetsk, Donetsk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. The separatist leaders of four Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine say they are planning to hold referendums this week for the territories to become part of Russia as Moscow loses ground in the war it launched. The votes will be held in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. (AP Photo) FILE - Chairman of Ukraine’s pro-Russian Opposition Platform-For Life party Viktor Medvedchuk stands as he waits to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, March 10, 2020. Ukraine announced a high-profile prisoner swap early Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022 that was the culmination of months of efforts to free many of the Ukrainian fighters who defended a steel plant in Mariupol during a long Russian siege. In exchange, Ukraine gave up Medvedchuk, a prominent ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and 55 other prisoners. (Alexei Nikolsky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File) FILE - Ukrainian Interior Minister Denys Monastyrsky, second left, talks with Azov regiment commander Denys Prokopenko, second right, who was released in a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, in Chernyhiv, Ukraine, late Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. Ukraine announced a high-profile prisoner swap early Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022 that was the culmination of months of efforts to free many of the Ukrainian fighters who defended a steel plant in Mariupol during a long Russian siege. In exchange, Ukraine gave up a prominent ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and 55 other prisoners. (Ukrainian Interior Ministry Press Office via AP, File) A volunteer of Luhansk regional election commission distributes newspapers to local citizens prior to a referendum in Luhansk, Luhansk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Authorities in Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are preparing to hold referendums on becoming part of Russia — a move that could allow Moscow to escalate the war. The votes start Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. Writing on newspaper reads in Russian "27.09 Yes." (AP Photo) A volunteer of Luhansk regional election commission, right, distributes newspapers to local citizens prior to a referendum in Luhansk, Luhansk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Authorities in Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine are preparing to hold referendums on becoming part of Russia's a move that could allow Moscow to escalate the war. The votes start Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. Writing on newspaper reads in Russian "27.09 Yes." (AP Photo) Members of Donetsk regional referendum committee attach a poster with writing reading "District referendum committee nr. 17008" on a door of polling station, prior to a referendum in Donetsk, Donetsk People's Republic controlled by Russia-backed separatists, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. The separatist leaders of four Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine say they are planning to hold referendums this week for the territories to become part of Russia as Moscow loses ground in the war it launched. The votes will be held in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. (AP Photo) Local residents receive humanitarian aid distributed by volunteers in the recently retaken area of Izium, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) A volunteer distributes humanitarian aid to a local residents in the recently retaken area of Izium, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) People charge their phones and electronic devices powered by a generator in the recently retaken area of Izium, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) People charge their phones and electronic devices powered by a generator in the recently retaken area of Izium, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) Children's drawings for Russian soldiers lie on the floor in the school which was used as a Russian military hospital in the recently retaken area of Izium, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) A man walks through the sports gym in the school which was used as a Russian military hospital in the recently retaken area of Izium, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Security service Press Office, a Ukrainian soldier, who was released in a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, shows a V-sign close to Chernihiv, Ukraine, late Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. Ukraine announced a high-profile prisoner swap early Thursday that culminated months of efforts to free many of the Ukrainian fighters who defended a steel plant in Mariupol during a long Russian siege. (Ukrainian Security service Press Office via AP) In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Security service Press Office, Ukrainian soldiers, who were released in a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, smile close to Chernihiv, Ukraine, late Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. Ukraine announced a high-profile prisoner swap early Thursday that culminated months of efforts to free many of the Ukrainian fighters who defended a steel plant in Mariupol during a long Russian siege. (Ukrainian Security service Press Office via AP) In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Security service Press Office, Ukrainian soldiers released in a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, hold the Ukrainian flag close to Chernihiv, Ukraine, late Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. Ukraine announced a high-profile prisoner swap early Thursday that culminated months of efforts to free many of the Ukrainian fighters who defended a steel plant in Mariupol during a long Russian siege. (Ukrainian Security service Press Office via AP)
No let-up in hostilities in Ukraine despite prisoner swap