Ukraine, rebels exchange POWs as Kiev suspends trains, buses to Crimea

The Ukrainian government agreed to trade more than 200 pro-Russian separatist prisoners of war for 150 Ukrainian servicemen on Friday, Reuters reports.

But, Kiev also announced it would halt all train and bus transportation services to Crimea, citing "deteriorating" security in the region that was annexed by Russia in March. Because Crimea's only land link is with Ukraine, and Kiev has already banned sea and air traffic, the new suspensions will effectively create a transportation blockade to the peninsula.

Russian airlines still service the region, and passenger cars and trucks will still be able to make the journey into and out of Crimea.

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