Historic Week: Third POW Exchange Between Russia and Ukraine Amid Ongoing Peace Negotiations

On Thursday, Ukraine and Russia announced a new prisoner exchange, marking the third such arrangement this week as part of an agreement reached during peace negotiations held in Turkey.

During last week’s talks in Istanbul, both nations consented to free over 1,000 prisoners each, focusing on those who are either injured or under the age of 25, in addition to returning the remains of soldiers who died in battle.

«Today, heroes from our Armed Forces, National Guard, and Border Guard Service are back on home soil,» stated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a social media message. «All of them need medical care,» he noted, emphasizing that the returning servicemen are «badly wounded and in serious condition.»

Russia’s Defense Ministry also acknowledged the exchange, mentioning that a group of Russian military personnel had been returned from Ukraine and are currently in Belarus.

«We are continuing our efforts to secure the return of everyone held captive by Russia,» Zelensky expressed. «We are grateful to all those who facilitate these exchanges, ensuring that every individual can come home to Ukraine.»

He shared images of the returning soldiers, most of whom were wrapped in Ukrainian flags and had recently shaved their heads. Ukrainian ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets noted that the oldest among them was 59, while the youngest was 22; some had previously been declared missing in action.

Russian state media broadcast footage of the returning soldiers, who were wrapped in Russian flags and chanting «Russia.»

These exchanges represent the only concrete results from two recent rounds of peace discussions in Istanbul. Russia has consistently dismissed demands for an unconditional ceasefire, insisting that Ukraine retract its NATO aspirations and yield occupied territories.

Additionally, on Wednesday, Russia transferred the remains of 1,212 Ukrainian soldiers who lost their lives in the conflict.