Russia defends by reporting an eighth prisoner exchange with Ukraine
In the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, prisoner exchanges have become a significant aspect of the humanitarian efforts to resolve the crisis. On July 4, 2025, the two nations conducted their eighth exchange since the talks in Istanbul, marking a continuous effort towards reconciliation.
The latest exchange included Ukrainian defenders who have been held in Russian captivity since 2022, as well as civilians. This exchange was part of a broader agreement to swap more than 1,000 wounded or ill service members and those under 25.
The exchanges have been ongoing, with multiple rounds taking place over recent months. The previous significant exchange occurred in early June 2025, where both sides exchanged prisoners, including those wounded or under 25.
The types of prisoners involved in these exchanges have varied, encompassing wounded and seriously ill service members, those under the age of 25, and civilians. Some of the Ukrainians returned were defenders of Mariupol who had been held since 2022.
These exchanges are based on agreements reached during direct talks in Istanbul, which have focused on exchanging large numbers of prisoners, though a full-scale "all-for-all" exchange has not been agreed upon by Russia.
As Ukraine continues to advocate for a comprehensive exchange to free all Ukrainians from Russian captivity, Russia has so far resisted such proposals. However, it is important to note that the Istanbul talks resulted in several humanitarian agreements, including the return of the bodies of fallen Ukrainian servicemen.
Russia has also reported the handover of 6,060 bodies of Ukrainian servicemen to Kyiv on June 16, with another 78 bodies received on the same day. President Vladimir Putin stated on June 19 that Russia is ready to hand over approximately 3,000 more bodies of Ukrainian servicemen.
The Russian servicemen, currently in Belarus, are receiving medical and psychological assistance before being transported back to Russia for treatment and rehabilitation in military medical facilities.
Despite these ongoing efforts, the conflict remains unresolved, with both countries continuing military operations and diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing crisis. The hope remains that these prisoner exchanges will pave the way for a lasting peace in the region.
- The latest prisoner exchange, happening on July 4, 2025, amid the ongoing war-and-conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, inclusive of Ukrainian defenders and civilians, is a part of broader politics focusing on exchanging large numbers of prisoners.
- The negotiations in Istanbul, a hub for political discussions and general news, have led to significant agreements, such as the exchange of thousands of prisoners, including those wounded or ill, breeding hope for a lasting peace in the region, despite the continuous conflict and military operations that persist.
