Russia and Ukraine Conduct New Prisoner Exchange Under Istanbul Agreements

Under the agreements reached during the June 2 negotiations in Istanbul, mediated by Turkey, Russia and Ukraine have carried out another exchange of prisoners, including soldiers and civilians.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the exchange via his Telegram account, stating that the process is ongoing under the Istanbul agreements. He noted that Ukrainian soldiers captured in various regions of the country have been returned, with many of them having been in captivity since 2022. Zelensky also mentioned that civilians were among those released, adding, “The exchanges must continue, and I thank everyone who made this possible.”

Russia Confirms the Exchange
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the exchange, stating that a group of Russian prisoners held in Ukrainian-controlled territories had been returned. In exchange, a group of Ukrainian soldiers was handed over to Ukraine. The released Russian soldiers are reportedly in Belarus and will be transported back to Russia. Neither side disclosed the exact number of prisoners involved in the exchange.

Istanbul Agreements
The June 2 negotiations in Istanbul, hosted by Turkey, resulted in agreements on the exchange of frozen bodies of 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers, as well as the exchange of severely injured soldiers and prisoners under the age of 25. Under these agreements, Russia and Ukraine have conducted six stages of prisoner exchanges on June 9, 10, 12, 14, 19, 20, and 26, involving young soldiers and those with severe injuries.