Russia secures release of Ukrainian MP Medvedchuk's associate via prisoner exchange with Ukraine
Ukraine completed a prisoner exchange with Russia on May 23, 2025, returning 70 individuals, including Alexander Tarnashynsky, an associate of Viktor Medvedchuk. Tarnashynsky, a convicted collaborator with Russian secret services, was exchanged for dozens of Ukrainian civilian hostages who had been held by Russian authorities for years.
According to the state project "Khochu k svoim" ("I want to return to my people"), the exchange was facilitated by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights. The project, which includes profiles of 31 of the released individuals, reports that Tarnashynsky created charitable foundations and organizations in Ukraine with plans to receive funds from Russia and undermine the country's government.
Tarnashynsky was detained in May 2022, and the Security Service of Ukraine reported that he was one of the leaders of Viktor Medvedchuk's Ukrainian Choice party. He was involved in acts aimed at destabilizing Ukraine's constitutional order with Russian secret services.
The prisoner exchange marked the first part of a "1000 for 1000" agreement, with 390 people returning home from each side. This agreement was reached during negotiations in Istanbul on May 16, 2025, and marked the first such talks since 2022. In total, 697 people were returned to their respective countries as part of the exchange. The second and third phases of the exchange took place on May 24 and 25, resulting in the recovery of an additional 307 servicemen and 303 more in the final stage.
The prisoner exchange is considered a significant step in returning military personnel to their families and potentially building trust between Ukraine and Russia amidst ongoing conflict. However, details on Tarnashynsky's role in the conflict or his connections to Medvedchuk are not provided in the search results related to the recent prisoner exchange.
- The government's policy and legislation, in conjunction with human rights organizations, played a crucial role in facilitating the prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia, aiming to ensure the protection of health and well-being of the returned individuals.
- Amidst war-and-conflicts, the exchange marked a notable political milestone, setting an example for future general news regarding peace talks, as it represented the first step in the "1000 for 1000" agreement.
- Despite the exchange, concerns persist about potential threats to the political stability of Ukraine, as exchanged individuals like Alexander Tarnashynsky, with ties to individuals like Viktor Medvedchuk, may still have connections to foreign powers, potentially influencing policy and legislation in controversial ways, thus affecting the health and human rights of the Ukrainian populace.
