Russia seizes Ukrainian POWs, then it demands favors from their relatives
Russia and Ukraine exchanged 540 prisoners of war in a mutual swap involving 270 individuals from each side. The latest repatriation effort took place following negotiations involving US mediators and United Arab Emirates mediation. Kyiv secured the return of nine civilians alongside its service members, including five individuals previously thought dead from the 2022 Olenivka attack and seven residents from the Kharkiv region. Belarusian state media reported that the exchange occurred at the Novaya Guta border crossing. This transfer marks the first prisoner swap between the warring nations in two months.
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- ✓ Russia and Ukraine exchanged 270 prisoners of war each.
- ✓ The swap occurred at the Novaya Guta border crossing in Belarus.
- ✓ Ukraine brought home five POWs previously believed to have been killed in the 2022 Olenivka attack.
What changed
The latest development is the execution of a prisoner exchange involving 270 captured personnel from each side, following a two-month pause in swap operations.
Live updates
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Russia and Ukraine Execute 540-Person Prisoner Swap
Russia and Ukraine exchanged 540 prisoners of war in a mutual swap involving 270 individuals from each side. The latest repatriation effort took place following negotiations involving US mediators and United Arab Emirates mediation. Kyiv secured the return of nine civilians alongside its service members, including five individuals previously thought dead from the 2022 Olenivka attack and seven residents from the Kharkiv region. Belarusian state media reported that the exchange occurred at the Novaya Guta border crossing. This transfer marks the first prisoner swap between the warring nations in two months.
Why it matters
This exchange follows a series of high-volume repatriations facilitated by international actors, bringing the total number of detainees returned through United Arab Emirates mediations to 8,537 across 27 separate efforts. While formal prisoner exchanges continue, Russian forces have simultaneously begun transferring captured soldiers and political hostages from a penal colony in Donetsk Oblast to strict-regime prisons across the Russian Federation.
What is confirmed
- Russia and Ukraine exchanged 270 prisoners of war each.
- The swap occurred at the Novaya Guta border crossing in Belarus.
- Ukraine brought home five POWs previously believed to have been killed in the 2022 Olenivka attack.
Still unconfirmed
- Russian forces have begun moving captured soldiers and political hostages from a penal colony in Donetsk Oblast to strict-regime prisons across the Russian Federation.
What to watch next
- Further prisoner swaps facilitated by United Arab Emirates mediation
- Additional transfers of captured soldiers from Donetsk penal colonies to Russian strict-regime prisons
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (4)
- kyivindependent.com — 270 Ukrainians return home from Russian captivity in latest swap
- www.pravda.com.ua — Russia kidnaps Ukrainian POWs and civilians from Makiivka ...
- www.themoscowtimes.com — Russia and Ukraine Exchange 540 POWs - The Moscow Times
- gwaramedia.com — Ukrainian POWs believed to be killed in Olenivka return home
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Russia and Ukraine Exchange 540 Captives in Latest Swap
Russia and Ukraine exchanged 270 captives each following negotiations involving US negotiators and United Arab Emirates mediation. Kyiv brought home nine civilians alongside its returned prisoners of war, which included five individuals previously thought dead from the Olenivka attack. This latest release brings the total number of detainees exchanged through United Arab Emirates mediations to 8,537 across 27 separate efforts. The high-volume swap highlights ongoing international diplomatic efforts to secure the release of captured personnel amidst continuing hostilities.
Why it matters
Prisoner exchanges serve as a critical diplomatic channel between Moscow and Kyiv while active combat continues along multiple front lines. The involvement of international intermediaries such as the United States and the United Arab Emirates demonstrates structured third-party facilitation in arranging these releases. These events occur against a backdrop of severe war crimes investigations concerning frontline executions of captured Ukrainian soldiers.
What is confirmed
- Russia and Ukraine exchanged 270 prisoners each in the latest swap.
- Nine civilians were among those returned to Kyiv.
- The United Arab Emirates has conducted 27 mediations resulting in the exchange of 8,537 detainees.
Still unconfirmed
- Five of the returned Ukrainian prisoners were previously thought dead from the Olenivka attack.
What to watch next
- Further large-scale prisoner swaps mediated by international partners
- Developments in United States and United Arab Emirates diplomatic talks
- Additional repatriations of civilians and military personnel
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.yahoo.com — Russia and Ukraine swap 270 prisoners each - Yahoo
- www.thenationalnews.com — Russia and Ukraine exchange 540 captives after latest UAE ...
- ukrainetoday.org — Ukraine’s Latest POW Exchange: 270 Soldiers Return Home
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Russian Forces Execute Ukrainian POWs in Zaporizhzhia
Ukrainian prosecutors opened a war crime investigation after Russian troops executed captured Ukrainian soldiers on the Huliaipole front in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Military officials report that two unarmed prisoners of war were killed by forces believed to belong to the 38th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade. Law enforcement authorities launched a pre-trial investigation into the killings, while investigators examine the command structure responsible for the front-line atrocities.
Why it matters
This incident compounds an established pattern of severe abuse, torture, and forced recruitment directed against Ukrainian captives by Russian forces. Moscow previously merged irregular combat formations using prisoners of war and defectors while intimidating their relatives. Thousands of detained soldiers have faced systematic mistreatment since the full-scale invasion.
What is confirmed
- Russian forces executed captured Ukrainian soldiers on the Huliaipole front in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
- Ukraine's prosecutor general opened a war crime investigation into the executions.
- The Russian soldiers involved are believed to belong to the 38th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade.
- Military officials state that two unarmed Ukrainian prisoners of war were killed.
Still unconfirmed
- Orders for the executions within the 38th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade are issued at the initiative of its commander, Colonel Valery Kazak.
What to watch next
- Findings from the Ukrainian pre-trial war crime investigation
- Identification of specific military units and individual commanders involved in the killings
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.yahoo.com — Russian troops executed Ukrainian POWs in ... - Yahoo
- www.pravda.com.ua — Russian execution of Ukrainian POWs reported in Zaporizhzhia ...
- united24media.com — Russia’s Troops Capture Ukrainian Soldiers, Then Execute Them ...
- en.h.ua — Russia executed Ukrainian POWs on Hulyaipole direction ...
- kyivindependent.com — Russian troops executed Ukrainian POWs in Zaporizhzhia Oblast ...
- www.ukrinform.net — Russian forces execute captured Ukrainian soldiers in ...
- ground.news — Russian Troops Executed Ukrainian POWs in Zaporizhzhia Oblast ...
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Russia Forms Ukrainian POW Brigade and Demands Relatives' Favors
Russia has merged five irregular combat formations into a new brigade reportedly composed of Ukrainian prisoners of war and defectors, according to the Institute for the Study of War. Moscow has previously seized Ukrainian POWs, subjected them to mistreatment, torture, public curiosity, and forced them to fight in Russian battalions while intimidating their relatives. Thousands of Ukrainian soldiers have endured beatings, electric shocks, and hunger in Russian captivity since the all-out invasion, while Ukrainian forces captured two North Korean soldiers sent to fight for Moscow in January 2025.
Why it matters
The formation of a dedicated brigade from captured troops escalates concerns over the treatment and forced recruitment of prisoners of war. These actions compound ongoing reports of severe abuse and coercion directed at both detained soldiers and their families. Meanwhile, international actors continue to monitor the involvement of foreign combatants alongside Russian forces in the conflict.
What is confirmed
- Russia has merged five irregular combat formations into a new brigade reportedly made up of Ukrainian prisoners of war and defectors, according to the Institute for the Study of War.
- Ukrainian forces captured two North Korean soldiers in Russia's Kursk region in January 2025.
- Thousands of Ukrainian soldiers have been taken as prisoners of war since Russia's all-out invasion.
Still unconfirmed
- Russia is demanding favors from the relatives of seized Ukrainian prisoners of war and intimidating seized civilians.
What to watch next
- Further official confirmation of the composition and deployment of the newly formed Ukrainian Volunteer Spetsnaz Brigade.
- Reports detailing the operational status and combat deployment of the captured North Korean soldiers.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.bbc.co.uk — Russia - BBC News
- government.ru — The Russian Government
- united24media.com — Life in Ukraine During War: Stories, Society & Resilience
- polisanalysis.substack.com — Legal Intelligence Briefing: When Allies Clash: The POW ...
- www.wionews.com — Russia forms Ukrainian Volunteer Spetsnaz Brigade to fight ...
- orato.world — Ukrainian POW survives three years of torture in Russian ...
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Russia seizes Ukrainian POWs, demands favors from relatives
Russia has seized Ukrainian prisoners of war and is demanding favors from their relatives. Ukrainian POWs have been mistreated, tortured, and exposed to public curiosity. Some Ukrainian POWs are being forced to fight in Russian battalions. Relatives of seized civilians are also being intimidated.
Why it matters
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has led to widespread human rights abuses. The World Health Organization has been appealed to halt the torture of Ukrainians held in Russian captivity. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi recently visited Moscow to discuss conditions for detained Ukrainian prisoners of war.
What is confirmed
- Russia has announced a battalion consisting of Ukrainian "volunteers".
- Pavlo Oliynyk, 25, says he joined enemy forces to escape Russian captivity.
- Kenya wants five captured nationals recognized as victims of human trafficking.
- Russia has seized 25 civilians, including children, from Kharkiv.
Still unconfirmed
- Vladimir Putin threatens to classify captured Ukrainian POWs as 'terrorists'.
What to watch next
- The outcome of Cardinal Matteo Zuppi's visit to Moscow
- The response of the World Health Organization to the appeals from Ukrainian organizations
- Further reports of mistreatment of Ukrainian POWs
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.kyivpost.com — African Nations Seek Return of Citizens Captured Fighting for Russia in Ukraine - Kyiv Post
- www.dw.com — Why are Ukrainian prisoners fighting in a Russian battalion?
- www.kyivpost.com — Russia Seizes 25 Civilians, Including Children, From Kharkiv ...
- www.wionews.com — Putin threatens to treat Ukrainian PoWs as 'terrorists' after ...
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Russian Torture and POW Abuses Draw International Condemnation
More than 60 Ukrainian organizations appealed to the World Health Organization to halt the torture of Ukrainians held in Russian captivity, following reports of widespread abuse. Both Ukrainian and Russian prisoners of war have suffered mistreatment, torture, exposure to public curiosity, and execution throughout the conflict. Meanwhile, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi traveled to Moscow to inspect conditions for detained Ukrainian prisoners of war, meet with Russian officials, and discuss missing persons and family reunification.
Why it matters
The treatment of detainees remains a critical humanitarian crisis in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, with the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine documenting abuses by both sides. International pressure mounts as organizations fight against systemic torture and forced disappearances in Russian penal colonies. Diplomatic channels also engage through high-level visits, such as the Vatican envoy's mission to address family reunification and missing persons.
What is confirmed
- Cardinal Matteo Zuppi met Ukrainian prisoners of war in Moscow to convey a solidarity message from Pope Leo XIV and discuss missing people, family reunification, and minors with Russian officials.
- More than 60 Ukrainian organisations issued an appeal to the World Health Organisation to help stop the torture of Ukrainians held in Russian captivity.
- Roman Syromyatnikov, accused by Ukraine of torturing prisoners of war in a Tula penal colony, was killed when an explosive device detonated beneath his car in Russia.
Still unconfirmed
- African nations are seeking the return of citizens captured fighting for Russia in Ukraine, with Kenya wanting five captured nationals recognized as victims of human trafficking.
What to watch next
- Any formal response from the World Health Organization regarding the appeal by Ukrainian organizations to stop torture.
- Further diplomatic developments from Vatican peace envoy visits or prisoner welfare inspections in Moscow.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (18)
- www.nytimes.com — Russia-Ukraine War - The New York Times
- en.wikipedia.org — Prisoners of war in the Russo-Ukrainian war (2022-present)
- www.cnn.com — Ukraine says it forced 250 Russian soldiers to surrender in ... -...
- mezha.net — Cardinal Zuppi Meets Ukrainian POWs in Moscow and Delivers ...
- kyivindependent.com — Russian soldiers 'had to drink urine to survive' after being ...
- newsukraine.rbc.ua — Explosion in Russia reportedly kills war criminal who ...
- theconversation.com — Russia is using Ukraine’s children to win its occupation ...
- Phys.org — Russia is using Ukraine's children to win its occupation—and ...
- www.wcsufm.org — Drones buzz overhead, troops hunker underground in Ukraine's hellish Kill Zone - WCSU ,Jazzy 88.9
- www.kyivpost.com — Russian Accused of Torturing POWs Killed in Car Bombing
- www.yahoo.com — Former employee of Russian penal colony accused of torturing ...
- tvpworld.com — Car bomb kills Russian accused of torturing Ukrainian POWs
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Vatican Envoy Visits Ukrainian POWs in Russia Amid Diplomatic Tensions
Papal envoy Cardinal Matteo Zuppi traveled to Moscow for discussions regarding humanitarian concerns tied to the war in Ukraine. During his third trip to the Russian capital since 2023, the Vatican peace envoy inspected conditions for detained Ukrainian prisoners of war and met with Russian officials. Meanwhile, diplomatic fallout continues following the disclosure of two transferred North Korean soldiers, with Seoul demanding a public apology from Kyiv over the leaked arrangement.
Why it matters
The involvement of Vatican intermediaries highlights ongoing international efforts to address the welfare of detained personnel as exchange negotiations stall. The diplomatic friction between Seoul and Kyiv stems from the unannounced arrival of North Korean soldiers who spent more than a year in captivity. These developments complicate regional alliances and humanitarian access in the ongoing conflict.
What is confirmed
- Papal envoy Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed humanitarian issues in the Ukraine war in talks with Russian officials and visited Ukrainian prisoners of war, according to Russia's Foreign Ministry.
- Cardinal Zuppi made his third trip to Moscow since 2023.
Still unconfirmed
- Seoul has warned of unspecified punitive steps and further measures if Kyiv refuses to apologize for revealing the arrangement regarding the transferred North Korean prisoners of war.
What to watch next
- Whether Kyiv issues a public apology to South Korea to avert punitive steps
- Further updates from the Vatican regarding humanitarian access and prisoner conditions in Russia
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- united24media.com — Ukraine POWs: Exchanges, Conditions & Red Cross — UNITED24 Media
- nwasianweekly.com — Seoul demands an apology after Zelenskyy reveals North Korean ...
- www.themoscowtimes.com — Vatican Envoy Discusses Humanitarian Issues, Visits POWs in ...
- www.pillarcatholic.com — Cardinal Zuppi visits Ukrainian POWs in Russia
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South Korea Demands Ukraine Apology Over North Korean POWs
South Korea summoned the Ukrainian envoy and demanded a public apology after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly disclosed the secret transfer of two captured North Korean prisoners of war. Seoul warned of unspecified punitive steps and further measures if Kyiv refuses to apologize for revealing the arrangement. The transferred soldiers spent over a year detained by Russia and Ukraine before arriving in South Korea, where they now face an uncertain future amid a political feud that caught Seoul by surprise.
Why it matters
The public disclosure of the North Korean prisoners ruptured diplomatic sensitivities between Seoul and Kyiv. South Korea maintains a complex diplomatic stance regarding North Korean personnel involved in the conflict. The friction threatens bilateral ties as Seoul weighs how to manage its relationship with North Korea alongside fallout from the prisoner transfer.
What is confirmed
- South Korea summoned the Ukrainian envoy following Volodymyr Zelenskyy's revelation that Kyiv transferred two captured North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea.
- South Korea demanded a public apology from Ukraine and warned of further measures or punitive steps if Kyiv refuses.
- The transfer of the two North Korean soldiers was meant to be secret before being revealed during a United Nations speech.
What to watch next
- Whether Ukraine issues a public apology to South Korea
- Specific punitive steps or measures announced by Seoul
- Further details regarding the safety and status of the two North Korean prisoners
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.theguardian.com — Why is South Korea so angry with Ukraine over two North ...
- www.bbc.com — South Korea summons Ukraine envoy over North Korean prisoner ...
- www.straitstimes.com — South Korea demands Ukraine apology over POW disclosure | The ...
- www.newsday.com — Seoul's anger with Kyiv over POWs may be driven by worries about its ties to North Korea
- www.nknews.org — North Korean POWs face uncertain future after Ukraine ...
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Russia Transfers POWs Amid Coercive Campaigns
Russian authorities are transferring more than 30 Ukrainian prisoners of war from the Makiivka penal colony in occupied Donetsk Oblast into prisons within Russia. This movement coincides with an ongoing coercive campaign by Russian intelligence services, which are blackmailing the relatives of captured Ukrainian soldiers to demand favors and intelligence. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv recently transferred two captured North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea, while accusing Russia of recruiting citizens from 47 countries to support its war effort.
Why it matters
The transfer of Ukrainian prisoners of war from occupied territories to prisons inside Russia highlights the ongoing treatment and relocation of detainees in the conflict. Concurrently, the targeting of prisoners' families by intelligence services introduces additional pressure on relatives. These events occur alongside broader international dynamics involving foreign nationals recruited into the war effort and the transfer of North Korean prisoners.
What is confirmed
- Russian authorities are transferring more than 30 Ukrainian prisoners of war held in the Makiivka penal colony in occupied Donetsk Oblast to prisons inside Russia.
- Russian intelligence services have been blackmailing the relatives of captured Ukrainian soldiers to demand favors and intelligence.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Kyiv recently transferred two captured North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of recruiting citizens from 47 countries to support its war effort.
What to watch next
- Further reports on the exact locations of the transferred Ukrainian prisoners of war inside Russia
- Additional details regarding the intelligence demands made by Russian services to relatives
- Updates on the status of foreign recruits and prisoners involved in the conflict
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.aljazeera.com — Russia | Russia | Today's latest from Al Jazeera
- en.wikipedia.org — Russia - Wikipedia
- en.wikipedia.org — History of Russia - Wikipedia
- www.cnn.com — Russia news - breaking stories, video and analysis | CNN
- gpe.wikipedia.org — Russia - Wikipedia
- simple.wikipedia.org — Russia - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Russia Shifts Ukrainian POWs Amid Coercion Campaign
Russian authorities are transferring more than 30 Ukrainian prisoners of war held in the Makiivka penal colony in occupied Donetsk Oblast to prisons inside Russia. This movement coincides with an ongoing coercive campaign by Russian intelligence services, which have been blackmailing the relatives of captured Ukrainian soldiers to demand favors and intelligence. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Kyiv recently transferred two captured North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea, while accusing Russia of recruiting citizens from 47 countries to support its war effort.
Why it matters
The targeted transfer of Ukrainian prisoners from occupied territories to the Russian interior compounds the distress of families already facing relentless coercion and blackmail from Moscow. These developments unfold alongside rising friction involving international actors, as South Korea demands an apology from Ukraine over the handling and alleged breach of nondisclosure agreements regarding the transferred North Korean POWs. The expanding web of foreign fighters and proxy involvement deepens the geopolitical stakes of the conflict.
What is confirmed
- More than 30 Ukrainian prisoners held in the Makiivka penal colony in occupied Donetsk Oblast are reportedly being transferred to prisons in Russia.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine recently transferred two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea.
Still unconfirmed
- Seoul asserts that Kyiv agreed to a nondisclosure agreement over the transferred prisoners but broke it.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of the final destinations for the transferred Ukrainian prisoners from Makiivka.
- Further diplomatic developments between Seoul and Kyiv regarding the transfer of North Korean prisoners of war.
- Additional disclosures on the scope of foreign nationals recruited by Russia.
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (13)
- jen.jiji.com — Ukraine, massive attack against Russia: refinery hit. Moscow Mayor: "They want to sabotage elections"
- jen.jiji.com — Russia votes, turnout at 3 PM at 52.6%: previous consultations' data surpassed
- jen.jiji.com — Russia Elections, exit poll: "Putin's party gets 49.4% of votes"
- jen.jiji.com — Russia, the 'systemic opposition' party Just Russia does not overcome the electoral threshold
- jen.jiji.com — Russia provokes, Poland ready to respond: "Putin will never win"
- jen.jiji.com — 'Tale e Quale Show' wins the ratings challenge. For 'Chi l'ha visto?' debut at 7.1% share
- jen.jiji.com — Laura Pausini: "During Covid I thought about giving up. Sanremo? I was afraid of judgment"
- www.aljazeera.com — Why South Korea is demanding an apology from Ukraine over North Korean PoWs
- www.stripes.com — Zelenskyy says Ukraine transferred 2 North Korean POWs to ...
- www.pravda.com.ua — Ukrainian POWs reportedly transferred from occupied Donetsk ...
- www.pravda.com.ua — Zelenskyy says Ukraine transferred two North Korean POWs to ...
- en.fnnews.com — Government Did Not Confirm or Deny, but Effectively Admitted ...
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Russian Intelligence Pressures Families of Ukrainian POWs
Russian intelligence services are blackmailing and demanding favors from the relatives of Ukrainian prisoners of war. Multiple reports indicate that Moscow is using the seizure of these soldiers to pressure their families into cooperation. This campaign of coercion targets the domestic support networks of Ukrainian captives to gain leverage or intelligence. These actions occur alongside a broader pattern of Russian aggression against Ukrainian allies and the seizure of Western corporate assets within Russia as retaliation for international sanctions.
Why it matters
The treatment of prisoners of war is governed by international law, making these reported coercion tactics a potential violation of human rights. This development coincides with increased hybrid warfare across Europe and the seizure of foreign assets by the Kremlin.
What is confirmed
- Russian intelligence is demanding favors from the families of Ukrainian prisoners of war.
- Russia is pressuring the families of Ukrainian POWs to cooperate.
Still unconfirmed
- Russia is blackmailing the families of Ukrainian POWs.
- Russia seizes Ukrainian POWs then demands favors from their relatives.
What to watch next
- Official response from the Ukrainian government regarding the treatment of POW families.
- Reports from international human rights monitors on the specific nature of the demands made to families.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- NPR — Russia seizes Ukrainian POWs, then it demands favors from their relatives
- KNAU — Russia pressures families of Ukrainian prisoners of war to cooperate
- SuaraGarut.ID — Russian Intelligence Demands Favors From Families of Ukrainian POWs
- NPR — Russia is blackmailing the families of Ukrainian POWs
- jen.jiji.com — Russia, assets of Nestlé and three French groups seized
- jen.jiji.com — Trump and Putin's hybrid war: "Russia has been attacking Ukraine's allies for five years"
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