Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Their offices said Putin and Zelensky spoke by phone late on Saturday after the long-awaited swap of 70 prisoners. Zelensky’s office said both leaders were “satisfied with the result of the implementation of the agreements” on the exchange.

“The presidents of the two countries also agreed to discuss in the near future the date for a summit within the framework of the Normandy format” which also includes France and Germany, the announcement said.  The Kremlin said the prisoner exchange had “major significance” for the improvement of bilateral ties and that the two sides have agreed to remain in contact.