Russia Moscow and Kiev exchange prisoners
Russia and Ukraine have begun another prisoner exchange. It was agreed at the beginning of the month in Istanbul during direct negotiations between representatives of Kiev and Moscow. The first group of Russian soldiers under the age of 25 had been released from Ukrainian captivity, the Ministry of Defense in Moscow announced. In return, a similar number of prisoners were handed over to Ukraine. The ministry did not give an exact number. Kiev confirmed the exchange.
09.06.2025, 14:37
SDA
According to information from Moscow, the Russian soldiers are currently in Belarus and are receiving medical assistance there.
"Our people are home," wrote Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi on the X platform. Among the returnees are young soldiers as well as the seriously injured. Zelenskyi also did not give a specific number. According to him, the exchange process is associated with difficulties. However, he expects that the agreement negotiated in Istanbul will be fully implemented. Most recently, there had been disputes between Moscow and Kiev over the timing of the exchange.
Exchange agreed during negotiations
At the second round of negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian representatives in Istanbul a week ago, both sides agreed to exchange prisoners and the bodies of fallen soldiers. During the talks, both sides agreed to exchange mainly young soldiers between the ages of 18 and 25 and seriously injured or sick prisoners of war. This could involve more than 1,000 people from each side. The exchange was originally expected to take place at the weekend.
Ukraine has been defending itself against Russia's invasion for more than three years.
