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The NEW Way to Travel Meaningfully: Language & Skills Exchange Programs

Emma’s love of reading inspired her first taste of wanderlust and worldwide exploring. Whil...

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“That’ll be $87.50 please.” This is typically the point of the transaction where you make your payment choice: cash or card. It is a simple question, right? Always the same, cash or card. But, what if there was another option? What if, instead, you offered French classes in exchange for your groceries? What if, rather than using cold, hard, cash, you proposed swapping Spanish vocabulary practice for your favourite microwavable mac and cheese?

It’s not as radical an idea as it seems, believe it or not .

While I admit you probably wouldn’t get very far in this particular scenario (I can’t imagine there are many supermarkets who accept translation services in lieu of a crisp Benjamin Franklin), bartering has made a comeback worthy of those kitschy plastic chokers we all rocked in the early noughties . And even better, bartering has become the most authentic, cost-effective, and life-changing way of traveling the world , and we’re here to tell you why (and how)!

A (super-brief) history of bartering.

We should remember that the ancient practice of bartering served our forefathers pretty well, after all; we know that somewhere around 9,000 B.C., long before American Express and checking accounts, our ancestors decided on a reciprocal value system, a primordial currency based on mutual need. Basically, in early civilization, my great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-(breathe)-great-great-(definitely missed some greats in there) grandfather could have traded his flint axe for your great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-(breathe)-great-great grandfather’s bone arrowhead. And life went on from there. Pretty amazing, huh?

What about language and skill exchanges?

This prehistoric swapping wasn’t left behind in the Stone Age, either; the give-and-take spirit of bartering was the spark behind the coordination of language and skill exchange programs abroad, which have seen a surge in popularity in our post-recession, cash-conscious society.

Language exchanges aren’t a “new” phenomenon by any means. John Milton and Roger Williams are said to have participated in one of the very first language exchanges, when the 17th-century English poet Milton taught Williams, a Reformed theologian, Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and French in exchange for Dutch lessons. 

But, thanks to advancements in social media and the creation of dedicated online sharing platforms , it has become even easier to bring potential participants together. Acting as digital marketplaces, these online hubs allow tens of thousands of people to partake in language and skill exchange programs and initiatives, and use them as tickets for immersive, international travel.

Around the world, would-be jetsetters are engaging in these exchanges to experience new cultures, save money while exploring, make new friends, and enjoy enriching, meaningful travel.

Wait! How is language exchange different from TEFL certification?

Taking part in a language or skill exchange is different to Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) , and it’s a totally unique way of seeing what the world, and its inhabitants, have to offer.

A language exchange promotes the idea of tandem learning, where the experience is mutually beneficial for both parties. Unlike the TEFL scheme, there’s no fixed curriculum; a language exchange is a fluid process, where the knowledge-sharing is collaborative, and the onus is on sharing not an individual’s tangible skill-set, but their time, culture, and life experience. More personalised than a typical teaching position , an exchange program can be adapted to suit both learners particular set of needs.

Furthermore, language and skill exchanges have their own sense of adventure and freedom . In theory, thanks to their flexible nature, these trade-offs can be organized anywhere in the world, whereas TEFL jobs tend to be restricted to popular destinations for English speakers. Also, language or skill exchanges don’t follow ready-made timetables and there are no fixed contracts; you could decide to spend two weeks in Rome with two days notice or plan a summer in China months in advance. There are no set start-dates or program intake limits, so you can be completely in charge of your own adventure (how liberating!).

So, what are the benefits of language exchange programs abroad?

Language or skill exchanges allow even the most cash-strapped of students to learn something new, plus have a meaningful travel experience at the same time. But, like Jessie J’s been telling us since 2011, it’s not (all) about the money. They’re cheaper than night-classes, no money changes hands, and wayyyy more interesting than staring at a screen or dwelling over a textbook. There’s no hierarchy, no pesky pecking order; you’ll be both a student AND teacher at the same time.

Taking part in an overseas exchange is a uniquely empowering opportunity to gain an insider’s understanding of a new culture on their level.

Language and skill exchanges are more honest, genuine and meaningful ways of learning and traveling . Increasingly, people are flagging the need for truth and transparency in all aspects of their lives, from their healthcare to their food, and travel is no exception. People need to feel like they are engaging in honest interactions not just with companies, but the world around them. With infinite information and travel opportunities out there, people want access to exchanges that matter, that make a difference.

People want to be part of something bigger than themselves, something that allows them to build real connections worldwide , gain independence, see different ways of living, share whatever they have to offer, and learn more than they could ever imagine knowing (we know, not a big ask).

One last time, what does all of this have to do with MORE meaningful travel?

Thanks to bartering and exchange initiatives, the sharing economy changed a lot of industries. But its impact on travel has been extraordinary, affecting everything from accommodation to transport to tourism.

Take Couchsurfing, for example, founded in 2003 as a non-profit organization; it’s now a global hospitality exchange. Of course, the idea of privately putting up guests isn’t remotely new, but by taking it online, it irrevocably changed both peoples’ perspective of the practice and the manner in which they engaged with it. It took travelers off the beaten track. It got visitors interacting with locals. It saw people breaking down walls.

Language and skills exchange is not about ownership, you see, it’s about access . It’s not about possession, it’s about collaborative consumption .

What does all of this mean for you? It means personal connection. It means peer-to-peer sharing. It means local experiences. Basically, it means that while your grasp of German grammar won’t necessarily get you a free coffee, it’ll allow you to have your own once-in-a-lifetime adventure abroad .

This article was contributed by GoCambio , a free online skills and language exchange platform. By swapping skills for free homestay accommodation around the world, GoCambio unites the millions of people who travel independently with the millions of people who want to learn something new.

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Epicure & Culture

Food, wine & culture for the ethical traveler

How To Use Language Exchange As A Currency For Free Travel

By Katie Foote, Epicure & Culture Contributor

The sharing economy has truly changed the landscape of tourism, helping travelers go beyond their guidebooks to have more local experiences. Airbnb is one of the most popular platforms in this new world, giving visitors to a destination the chance to live, literally, like a local. But a new platform, TalkTalkBnb , is taking local accommodation to the next level by giving it a language-learning twist.

TalkTalkBnb is a free social network for travel and language-learning. The site connects international travelers with hosts around the world who are looking to improve their language skills. The premise is simple – the host offers free lodging (yes, you read that right) in exchange for practicing the traveler’s mother tongue. In just five months TalkTalkBnb has accumulated over 8,000 members from 40 countries, with travelers offering 60+ languages.

Founder Hubert Laurent hopes this program will disintegrate language barriers and help battle xenophobia, creating a global, communicative society.  In the wake of the  Paris terrorist attacks, the city’s population became stronger and more unified when they realized that, despite coming from different cultures, everyone was experiencing the same thing.  He hopes that when hosts and guests spend time together, talking and sharing meals, people will realize how much they have in common and work towards creating a more peaceful society.

We caught up with Laurent to learn more about TalkTalkBnb, and how we can use the sharing economy for good.

Table of Contents

1. What gave you the idea to start TalkTalkBnb?

The idea first came to me around March 2015, while having dinner with my family. Noémie, my eldest daughter, asked if we could move to England so she could improve her English – but sadly, this was not an option for us. So I thought, what if I could do the next best thing, and bring English to us? The idea grew into a service for people everywhere who, like Noémie, want to discover the world not just for its sights, but for its people.

2. When did you first realize the transformative powers of foreign language?

I actually left France when I was 23 after I finished my studies, and didn’t come back until I was 30. I traveled around the world for seven years, working when it was possible. My travels allowed me to learn multiple languages, and I experienced over and over the sense of autonomy and accomplishment that comes from being able to communicate with those around you and function in a society that’s not your own. Language helps you build relationships with others and become integrated into a community.

When I returned to France I became a translator and interpreter. Language has been so instrumental throughout my life, that I wanted to encourage others to realize this as well, to experience the enrichment that comes from cultural and linguistic exchanges. TalkTalkBnb is a means to facilitate these exchanges.

3. Why do you believe language exchange can remedy xenophobia and create a global society?

A lot of conflict in the world today comes from misunderstanding. And naturally, people often fear what they don’t understand. By welcoming a traveler into your home, or by staying with a local, guests and hosts both have the opportunity to learn about each other’s culture and traditions, and grow your understanding of the world. You may discover that what you thought you knew is not the whole story. Empathy and understanding come from communication and relationship building.

With English becoming the world’s lingua franca, it is useful, even necessary, to speak English professionally. As a TalkTalk traveler, you can be a vital part of someone’s English language learning. It is also useful for English speakers to practice other languages. This is why it is good to be a TalkTalk host as well. From my experience, when you make the effort to speak someone’s language and understand their culture, they are thrilled and subsequently become more open towards you.

It’s important to remember that we should celebrate our diversity. A global society isn’t about everyone having the same culture or language, but rather using our different gifts and experience to work together toward a common goal of peace and tolerance.

4. What is some of the most powerful feedback you’ve received from participants?

For many of the participants there’s a realization of how much they identify with their host/guest. The jokes may be different, but laughing with friends feels the same everywhere. A traditional meal among family can be, at the same time, the most exotic and the most familiar thing. No matter the country, no matter the language, human goodwill remains universal.

5. How can readers can get involved with the cause of battling xenophobia and eradicating fear in this age of terrorism?

If you feel uncomfortable with a foreigner or foreign culture, ask yourself why you feel that way. Check if it’s related to a personal experience, or just preconceived notions. Try to empathize or see it from the other’s perspective. Ask questions (respectfully) to help clear things up. Speak out if you see xenophobia from others.

Expand your horizons and your understanding by reading as much as you can about the world from many different sources, and talking to people who are different from you — perhaps even hosting them through TalkTalkBnb! When traveling, make sure you educate yourself on cultural differences and social mores. A good example is that many Americans find restaurant servers in France to be rude, because they don’t check up on their customers. But this is because the French, contrarily, find it rude to be interrupted during their meal several times by a server and prefer to be left alone.

In short, the more you learn and live outside your own culture, the more open-minded you will be able to become.

Have you had a unique language exchange experience? Please share in the comments below!

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Katie Foote

Katie Foote may be a physicist by trade but she spent several years travelling the world as much as possible. After four years of semi-nomadic life, she spent a couple years in Auckland, New Zealand and recently moved to Vancouver, Canada. Despite living more traditionally, she has insight on how to travel the world on a graduate student budget (cheap!), explore off-the-beaten-path destinations and authentically experiencing new places by connecting to locals. When she's not doing physics or globe-trotting, she likes kickboxing, yoga and exploring her extraordinary new backyard of British Columbia.

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The Best Language Learning Apps to Download Before Your Next Trip

These apps can help you get the most out of traveling abroad — and many are free or low cost.

While arriving in a new country is beyond exciting, it can also pose challenges — especially if you don't speak the local language. Even leaving the airport can be difficult when you can't communicate where you need to go. And while many of us learn a second language in school, we don't always retain that knowledge later in life. Digital translators are great, but you may not want to carry an extra device with you every day. So, whether you need to brush up on a language you once knew or you're looking to learn a brand-new one, a language learning app may be useful as you plan your next trip.

"When you're preparing to visit a foreign country, learning the language of your destination can go a long way," Michaela Kron, a spokeswoman for the free language app Duolingo, told Travel + Leisure by email. "Not only will it help you better understand your surroundings and get around more easily, but it'll also make a big impact in helping you connect with the people you encounter while there. In general, it's a great sign of respect and empathy when you make an effort to say even a few words in the local language — and the effort will not go unnoticed."

Matt Hulett, the president of language for Rosetta Stone, echoed the sentiment, adding that locals will appreciate it if you learn the basics. "Learning even a few words in a new language can help when you travel because you'll find confidence in being able to communicate about basic things," he told Travel + Leisure by email. "[You can] say hello and thank you, order food and drinks, ask how to find the bathroom, etc."

There are many tricks to learning a new language, but flexibility is a major advantage of using an app. Unlike a class that takes place at a set time, you can fit learning sessions around your daily schedule, dipping in during a commute or whenever you have downtime. Plus, many apps are free or inexpensive, making them a budget option.

We've rounded up seven of the best language learning apps on the market, so not only will you be able to read the menu at that quaint little restaurant abroad, you'll know how to thank the waiter.

This free app includes more than 40 languages and is set up like a game, with users earning points for lessons. You can take a placement test or start as a beginner, but no matter which you choose, you decide how much time you want to dedicate to learning each day. After you master the basics, you can learn vocabulary for topics like travel and food.

Download it : Duolingo

This app first asks you to choose your skill level in the language you want to learn, then it drills you on key words and phrases using videos and text. You earn points for things like accuracy and speed, and you can set goals for how long you want to spend working on the language each day. There's even a leaderboard for competitive learners. The basic app is free with ads, but if you want to access all language courses and features, you may want to pay for the ad-free Memrise Pro. Annual subscriptions start at around $131.

Download it : Memrise

Rosetta Stone

This is one of the oldest language-learning programs on the market, and it comes with a variety of subscription tiers. A monthly fee of around $15 gets you lessons in a single language (offered on a quarterly or yearly schedule), while a lifetime subscription (around $400) comes with permanent access to all 25 of the app's languages. Rosetta Stone doesn't use any English, instead conducting lessons exclusively in the language you are learning — with pictures to help. If you're going to opt for this app, set aside some time each day, as core lessons tend to take about 30 minutes each.

Download it : Rosetta Stone

This subscription-based app offers 10- to 15-minute lessons that focus on matching up phrases and mastering spelling. Users are asked to repeat basic phrases and to fill in the blanks to test their vocabulary (in whichever of the app's 13 languages they choose). App subscriptions start at under $10 per month, but those seeking intensive learning may want to choose the pricier Babbel Live. For a monthly fee of $50 and up, this program allows you to take online group classes with a teacher in real time.

Download it : Babbel

Whether you want to learn Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, or one of the app's other 11 languages, Busuu promises to teach you in just 10 minutes a day. You start by determining your goal: for instance, do you want to feel like a local when you travel, or are you hoping to communicate better with friends and family? From there, the app encourages you to pick a regular time of day to practice (it'll even send you a reminder when the time comes) and provides you with a study plan. You can study one language for free with limited access, or pay for a subscription to access more features.

Download it : Busuu

This app offers users five minutes of learning every day. Why only five minutes? The app says that it helps people maintain focus and is an easy habit to maintain. Users can choose from over 40 different languages and perform gamelike exercises like dragging words to a matching photo and connecting letters like a word search. The basic app is free to use, but the paid version comes with various perks, like an ad-free interface and the ability to opt into longer lessons.

Download it : Drops

This app offers a whopping 51 languages, including some with variations (like Latin-American Spanish and the version spoken in Spain). It's an offshoot of the Pimsleur method, a language-learning program that's been around for decades — long before apps and smartphones. Pimsleur asks learners to commit to 30 minutes a day in its app iteration, but the lessons are audio-based, making it easy to tune in during your commute or at the gym. Learners can choose between monthly subscriptions or packs of courses to purchase.

Download it : Pimsleur

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How to Find a Language Partner, In-person or Online

The clearest path to fluency is finding a language exchange partner.

Read on and I’ll explain the benefits of language exchange, tips on how to get the most out of your language exchange sessions and, of course, how to find partners both online and offline.

How to Find a Language Exchange Partner?

How to find a language partner in-person, how to find a language partner online, benefits of having a language exchange partner, getting the most out of your language exchange sessions, multiple language partners: double your learning, and one more thing....

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

We live in a multicultural era, with people of all ethnicities, nationalities and languages traversing the world for globalized opportunities. Chances are that there are people in your community or city who speak the language you want to learn, and would be interested in having the chance to improve their English through language exchange.

If not, there is an alternative: a virtual language exchange partner. Though tools like Skype, you can reap most of the benefits of an in-person exchange through many online resources, accessible wherever you have an internet connection!

1. Post a request for a language partner on Craigslist

Craigslist , the world’s top classified site, has a section for “Activity Partners” where you can post a request for a language exchange partner.

2. Put up an ad at University Message Boards

Do you live near a university? Most American universities, no matter how big, small or remote, have international students from all around the world. Post an ad at the university either online or on bulletin boards on campus.

3. Search posts on forums

Does your town or city have a forum on a site like InterNations ? If so, do a search or put up a post.

4. Attend language exchange meetings on Meetup

This is especially useful for popular languages—like Chinese, Spanish, French, German, or Japanese—but may not be as useful if you are learning a more obscure or less popular language.

5. Check out local language centers

Similarly, there might be a local cultural center that offers language courses, or provides a venue for language learning, in your community. Alliance Francais (French) and Goethe Institute (German) are two common ones. Google is your friend!

6. Search for locals in your area with Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is the world’s largest travel social network. Though its focus is getting locals with extra space in their homes to host travelers, the site also has a wide host of events in cities all around the world. The best part about Couchsurfing is, after you register and create an account, you can search for locals in your area by the language they speak. This is fantastic way to find language partners in more obscure or less spoken languages.

In my experience, a friendly introduction message to a Couchsurfer, with an offer to meet over coffee and exchange language, will usually work (though you might have to send messages to a few profiles to get a response). I, for one, was able to use Couchsurfing to find an Indonesian language exchange partner, a language for which there are nearly no exchange groups in the United States.

We live in an interconnected world, where distance no longer matters as it once did.  The web is connecting people all around the world, and there are several sites where you can set up a profile and find a virtual language exchange partner and gain nearly all the benefits of in-person exchange from the comfort of your home.

Here are a few of the most popular ones with recommendations to help you decide which is best for you!

7. Find a teacher on italki

italki is my pick for the best overall language exchange site. It is large, well designed, easy to use and has a good diversity of languages and members. You can log in directly using your Facebook account, which will save you time as you won’t have to fill in as many details, and then you can search for a “teacher” based on your language level and which conversation skills you want to improve.

8. Make friends with native speakers on MyLanguageExchange.com

Though not quite as user-friendly as italki, MyLanguageExchange.com tends to have more members who speak European languages. The registration process is fairly straightforward, but be careful when searching through profiles that the user you are contacting has logged into his or her account recently.

9. Exchange messages with members on Conversation Exchange

Although Conversation Exchange has an older layout, it is still very reliable with an active community. You make a profile and write about yourself, then you can browse the profiles of other users based on their target and native languages.

There are three possible modes of interaction that you can look for: face-to-face conversation, correspondence (pen pal) and text/voice chat. I recommend checking this site out if you are learning an Asian language, as they have a large number of profiles from people in East Asia.

10. Have Skype sessions with The Mixxer

11. Exchange languages with Livemocha

Livemocha blends language lessons with the ability to find language partners. After you register and put your native language and the language you want to learn onto your profile, LiveMocha will automatically give you a list of potential partners that match your needs.

This is a great option for those of you who want a more comprehensive option.

12. Join chat forums on Reddit

Registration is simple and forums are open to all, as long as you don’t post spam.

13. Use Location-specific Sites

Many cities have their own regular language exchange events or partner-finding sites, like GoLingo in Montpellier, France. Use Google and Facebook to find out if your city (or a city/country you plan to visit) has its own site for finding language exchange partners, or its own weekly language exchange event.

So here’s a fun, positive option: a language exchange partner. Meeting up with a friendly face—someone who only wants to see you succeed and can provide a barometer on your language learning progress—is a great way to not only reduce the loneliness of language learning, but provide some positive momentum as well.

• Training Your Ear: One of the biggest challenges facing new language learners is training your ear to hear the nuances of language and accent. Sitting over a textbook or listening to audio tapes is just not the same as living and breathing a language. Since you can’t just go to the country where the language is spoken, why not find someone in your town or community to speak with?
• Non-verbal Language: Something you’ll quickly find out is that there’s more to language than just words. Facial expressions, hand gestures and inflections are all unwritten parts of a language, and there is no better way to learn these than one-on-one with a language exchange partner. Moreover, understanding these aspects of a language can make learning vocabulary easier.

So we know that the benefits of having a language exchange partner are huge. But how can you make the most of your meetings?

Here are some tips on how to get the most of your language exchange sessions, and have fun doing it:

• Warm Up Beforehand: To get your mind thinking in your target language before you meet with your language exchange partner, spend five to 10 minutes on a language program or authentic videos.
• Stay on Schedule: You should definitely have some time to get to know each other, and have friendly conversation in your mutual, best language. But then, get down to business. Set up a reasonable schedule: 30 minutes in the language you’re trying to learn, 30 minutes in English (or whatever language your partner wants to learn) is a common and great way to divide the time. It’s easy to get off topic and waste time–don’t let that happen!
• Meet Regularly: The longer you wait between meetings, the less likely you are to remember what you learned. I recommend meeting once a week, with once every two weeks the bare minimum. Anything less and you won’t have time to train your ear and learn.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes: Remember, you’re not being graded! Mistakes are part of learning—in fact, they are the best way to learn. Can’t think of a word? Try to describe it using the language you’re learning. Your partner doesn’t understand you? Try speaking it out slowly. Here’s a tip: Smile when you make a mistake, and begin turning failure into laughter. Then your fears will fade and your mind will open to the trial and error necessary for deep language learning. Like the saying goes, it’s better to have tried and failed, than to have never tried at all.
• Practice Between Meetups: I recommend bringing a notebook with you and, without distracting too much from the conversation, jotting down any difficulties you’re having or new words you’re learning. Then, when you’re back home, practice whatever you found most difficult. It could be pronunciation, or maybe a challenging verb tense or conjugation.

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If one partner is so great, why not have two? Or more? Here I urge you to move with caution, as sometimes more is not necessarily better.

Meeting in groups of three can mean less pressure, and you can train your ear to distinguish between multiple accents. The downside is that there’s less time for you to speak, and the conversation tends to go to the level of the one who speaks the worst of the language, which can limit your ability to improve.

So think carefully about what you want to gain from a language exchange. If you feel that just meeting with one person would be best, then go for it. If you think that meeting in a group is better, then follow that path!

Here’s another option: meeting two people separately, one-on-one. This will allow you to have more exposure, perhaps learn different accents, but also means more commitment on your part.

If you dig the idea of learning on your own time from the comfort of your smart device with real-life authentic language content, you'll love using FluentU .

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FluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.

Didn't catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover your mouse over the subtitles to instantly view definitions.

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You can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentU's "learn mode." Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you’re learning.

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And FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that you’re learning. It gives you extra practice with difficult words—and reminds you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned. You get a truly personalized experience.

Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

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Language Exchange in Moscow

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Looking for an language exchange

hello i am looking for an language exchange . i speak English very good even i study in English in Moscow .

Hi gagan1910, For better visibility and interaction,  a new discussion was created as from your post on the Moscow forum . Regarding your search, it would be best if you could post an advert in the section language exchange in Moscow . Which other languages ​​do you know? Have a nice day, Hasnaa Expat.com Team

english , hindi  punjabi. thanks!

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Zelensky vows more 'retribution' for Russia, POWs exchanged

U krainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed more "retribution" against Russia on Saturday as he celebrated Independence Day near where his forces launched a surprise offensive into Russian territory two weeks ago.

Zelensky also signed a law banning the Russia-linked branch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, calling the legislation a "liberation from Moscow's devils", drawing a sharp response from Russia's Orthodox leader.

Kyiv marked its independence from the Soviet Union at a tense moment in the long war as it mounts a push into Russia and Moscow eyes more east Ukrainian towns. 

Zelensky published a video of him standing in a hilly, forested area said to be near where Ukraine launched its shock incursion from on August 6.   

"What the enemy brought to our land has now returned to its home", he said, adding that Russia will "know what retribution is".  

- Putin briefed on Kursk -

He called President Vladimir Putin a "sick man from Red Square who constantly threatens everyone with the red button", referring to nuclear war. 

Zelensky later said that one of the goals of Kyiv's Kursk operation was to show Russians "what is more important to him (Putin): the occupation of the territories of Ukraine or the protection of his population".

Kyiv has also said the Kursk offensive is aimed at stretching Russia's reserves from eastern Ukraine.

Kyiv has said the operation also aimed to capture Russian soldiers to trade for Ukrainian prisoners of war. Kyiv and Moscow on Saturday announced the exchange of 230 POWs.

In Russia, President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with army chief Valery Gerasimov, with the Kremlin saying they had discussed "countering enemy forces invading the Kursk region and measures being taken to destroy them".

The Kremlin's choice of language was a break from previous statements that downplayed the surprise Ukrainian move.

While it has visibly rattled Moscow, Ukraine's Kursk operation has not slowed Russia's advance in eastern Ukraine. 

- Deadly strikes -

As Ukraine celebrated its independence, Kyiv said a Russian strike on a residential area of the eastern city of Kostyantynivka, near the front line in the Donetsk region, killed five people. 

AFP witnessed a young boy and his dog walk up to a body, covered by a sheet, on the side of the road and watch as rescuers rushed to remove it.

People embraced standing next to another body, covered by a silver sheet, before emergency services took it away it in a black body bag. 

As Zelensky vowed more retribution, Ukraine's military intelligence said Saturday it had carried out a "successful" attack on an ammunition depot in Russia's southern Voronezh region, near the town of Ostrogozhsk. 

And an overnight Ukrainian strike in the Russian border region of Belgorod killed five people and wounded 12 others, including three children, its governor announced early Sunday morning.

Earlier this month, a state of emergency was declared in Belgorod due in part to Ukrainian bombardments, and Russia said it was sending more troops to defend the region in light of the incursion into neighbouring Kursk, where tens of thousands have either fled or been evacuated.

Ukraine, meanwhile, has recently carried out some evacuations from the hub of Pokrovsk amid fears it will fall to advancing Russian forces.

- Prisoner swap -

Both Kyiv and Moscow said Saturday that they had each returned 115 captive servicemen in a deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates.

Zelensky published photographs of men wrapped in Ukrainian flags, and Kyiv's ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said some were fighters from the epic 2022 battle for the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol.

Zelensky has said the Kursk offensive bolstered Ukraine's "exchange fund" of captured Russian soldiers to trade.

Widespread reports of young conscripts going missing in Kursk have filled the Russian internet in recent days. 

Moscow released images of young-looking men on a bus, saying it freed 115 servicemen "taken prisoner in the Kursk region".

Russia said the troops were currently in Belarus and will be brought to Russia soon. 

- 'Protecting Ukrainian Orthodoxy' -

At Kyiv's Sofia Square in front of St. Michael's Cathedral, Zelensky said a new law banning the Russian-linked church "protects Ukrainian Orthodoxy from Moscow's dependence". 

Ukraine has been seeking to distance itself from the Russian church since 2014 and those efforts have accelerated since Russia's 2022 invasion. 

Moscow's Orthodox Church leader Patriarch Kirill on Saturday accusing Ukraine of "persecuting" believers with the ban, urging the international community to speak out.

Kirill is a firm backer of the invasion and staunch Putin ally, and earlier this week the Russian Church compared Ukraine's law to "persecutions in the Roman Empire in the times of Nero and Diocletian".

As Ukrainians marked independence day, US President Joe Biden said "the war will end with Ukraine remaining a free, sovereign, and independent country."

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also reaffirmed Berlin's "continued and unwavering solidarity", despite a planned reduction in Berlin's budget for military aid to Kyiv next year.

Other European leaders also showed their support, with the EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell saying that Ukraine's "existential fight" was also "existential for the EU".

"Dear Ukrainians... the day approaches when we welcome you in the EU," European Council President Charles Michel wrote on X.

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