On 23 May 2025, Ukraine and Russia initiated the largest prisoner exchange of their ongoing conflict, with each side releasing 390 captives—270 soldiers and 120 civilians—in the first phase of a planned 1,000-for-1,000 swap. Agreed during talks in Istanbul on 16 May, this exchange marks a rare moment of cooperation amid a war that has seen little progress towards a ceasefire. The swap, described as a “laborious process” by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, began at the Ukraine-Belarus border and is expected to continue over the coming days, with both sides aiming to complete the release of 1,000 prisoners each.
The exchange follows months of intensified diplomatic pressure from the US and European allies to broker peace talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the release of 390 Ukrainians, including soldiers and civilians, as a significant step, with families gathering in Ukraine’s Chernihiv region to reunite with loved ones. Some freed prisoners, like Ukrainian soldier Andrii Derektorenko, had been held since 2022, enduring years of uncertainty. Russia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed the return of its captives to Belarus, where they are receiving medical and psychological support. The inclusion of civilians, notably those captured during Ukraine’s offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, sets this swap apart from previous smaller-scale exchanges.
Despite the breakthrough, challenges persist. Posts on X suggest Ukraine may face a shortage of Russian prisoners, holding only about 400 compared to the 1,000 needed, prompting offers to include collaborators in the exchange. This claim remains unverified but highlights potential logistical hurdles. Ukrainian officials, including Defence Intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov, expressed confidence in completing the swap, with preparations underway to verify Russia’s submitted list of names. Zelenskyy stressed that returning all captives, including political prisoners and journalists, remains a key objective.
The swap has sparked cautious optimism. US President Donald Trump, posting on Truth Social, called it a “major” achievement that “could lead to something big,” though he offered no specifics. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov indicated Moscow would propose a draft for a long-term peace agreement once the exchange is complete, but both sides remain far apart on ceasefire terms. Ukraine pushes for an immediate 30-day truce, while Russia insists on addressing “root causes” like NATO expansion and territorial claims, demands Kyiv rejects. With Russia reportedly planning a summer offensive, the prisoner swap stands as a fragile step towards de-escalation in a conflict that has claimed countless lives since 2022.
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