A list with the names of hostages who will be exchanged under a deal between the Ukrainian authorities and separatists has been approved, second president of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma told Interfax-Ukraine on Friday.

"The names of the hostages have been already approved by all sides," said Kuchma, who is an Ukraine Contact Group delegate in Minsk.

As reported, the talks between the sides resulted in an agreement to exchange hostages in the "150 for 225" format.

The exchange is to take place by the end of the year.