The first direct Ukraine-Russia talks did not deliver a ceasefire but it did result in the largest prisoner swap of the war. CHERNIHIV REGION, Ukraine — For hours Friday, a crowd of hopefuls stood on the roadside wrapped in blue-and-yellow flags and clutching photos of captured Ukrainian soldiers — their eyes peeled for any sign of buses.

Ukraine and Russia completed the first day of what is expected to be the largest prisoner swap of the war, with each side ultimately expected to get back 1,000 people.Ukrainian and Russian officials said that each side had received 270 military personnel and 120 civilians on Friday.

A major prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine is now under way, according to a Ukrainian source familiar with the matter.