Despite the war restricting Ukraine from fully celebrating Easter, the nation and its citizens had something to rejoice about during Orthodox observations last weekend: the liberation of 130 war prisoners from Russia thanks to what is being called “the great Easter exchange.”

The prisoners were apparently being held by Wagner, Moscow’s private mercenary group, Kyiv’s presidential advisor Andriy Yermak announced through Telegram. It is unknown how many Russian soldiers were freed in exchange – “The lives of our people are the highest value for us,” Yermak said – but Kyiv’s goal, the advisor says, is to bring all the captured Ukrainian prisoners currently held in Russia home.

This is the second prisoner exchange Ukraine and Russia have performed, with the first being earlier that same Easter weekend. The precedent of peaceful co-operation both nations have set during these sacred times for their religion is worthy of recognition.

However, a religious holiday should not be the only justification for nonviolent interaction between these two governments. Acting appropriately, in accordance with international standards and simple humanity, should always be the norm, not simply during Easter. Mediators, as well as the international community at large, should encourage both Kyiv and Moscow to continue releasing their prisoners of war.

Claiming that the Ukrainian government was persecuting the Russian-speaking minority living in the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, Moscow invaded Ukraine through its eastern border in February 2022, thus beginning the first active armed conflict in Europe since the end of World War II. Despite the West quickly allying with Ukraine, its economic sanctions have proven ineffective at stopping Russia’s war campaign, leaving both Ukrainian and Russian forces to commit atrocities. The bloody battles in cities such as Kharkiv and Bakmut have had ripple effects; besides Russia and Ukraine, inflation has spiked and diplomatic tensions have become inflamed throughout Europe and the world.

War never resolves conflict. Instead, it causes long-term issues hard to fix, and the ones who are most impacted are citizens. Thus, states should always consider the extent and impacts of war and be willing to help each other in humanitarian efforts, especially during wartime. Measures ranging from prisoner exchange to a temporary truce are great ways of showing humanity in times when it is not evident.

With Ukraine’s goal of bringing every war prisoner home, hopefully the great Easter exchange will not be the last. The international community is eager to see whether these transactions will open a door between Kyiv and Moscow to solve the war and finally end a year full of tragedy.