Ukraine and Russia exchange another 307 detainees, marking another round of prisoner swaps between the two nations in their ongoing conflict.
Russia and Ukraine Complete Largest Prisoner Exchange Amid Persisting Conflict
Moscow and Kiev have concluded their most extensive prisoner of war exchange to date, releasing 307 individuals from each side, bringing the total to 697 out of the agreed 1,000 prisoners. The Russian Defense Ministry announced that the exchange, initiated by their side, continues. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky anticipates more releases on Sunday, following the previous exchange of 390 prisoners on each side on Friday.
The freed Ukrainian servicemen and guardsmen have returned from their captivity, some having been imprisoned since 2022. They include members of the armed forces, border guards, national guard, and drone pilots. Andriy Yermak, Zelensky’s chief of staff, commented on Telegram that they all remained loyal to their country despite the hardships they faced. Among the returning prisoners, many appeared emaciated and had shaved heads, but their faces were full of joy. They were reunited with their wives, and some spoke with their relatives on the phone, breaking down in tears of relief and joy.
Russian soldiers are also expected to rejoin their families as they receive psychological and medical aid in Belarus prior to their return to the Russian Federation for treatment and rehabilitation.
Prisoner exchanges have been ongoing since the onset of the conflict in 2022, with Dmytro Kuleba, Ukrainian Foreign Minister, describing such humanitarian confidence-building measures as crucial for the ongoing efforts towards restoring peace. The exchange was agreed upon during peace talks held last week in Istanbul, marking the first direct Russian-Ukrainian negotiations since 2022, mainly prompted by former US President Donald Trump. However, despite the agreement on further peace talks, their date and location have yet to be established.
Despite this prisoner exchange, the Russian invasion continues, injuring at least 15 civilians in a drone attack on Kiev and its surroundings overnight. Residential buildings were hit by falling debris from downed drones, according to authorities. President Zelensky described the night as difficult for the entire Ukraine, with 250 drone attacks and air strikes involving 14 ballistic missiles.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported over 100 Ukrainian drone attacks in various regions of the country on Sunday morning, including a targeted attack on a Russian arms factory. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha criticized Russia for failing to provide the promised “peace memorandum” after the first direct talks in Istanbul, instead sending deadly drones and missiles to the civilian population. He advocated for increased sanctions pressure on Moscow.
Russia announced that once the prisoner exchange is completed within a few days, they will deliver the peace declaration draft to Ukraine for resolving the conflict. Konstantin Kossatschow, deputy head of the Russian Federation Council, told the military TV channel "Swesda" that the document is in the final stages. The memorandum will serve as a foundation for the complex negotiation process.
Radio broadcasts report that both Ukrainian and Russian individuals returned home following the latest prisoner exchange amidst ongoing war-and-conflicts. In the political sphere, discussions about general-news such as the next peace talks are underway, potentially bringing more humanitarian responses to the persistent conflict.
