The first prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine under last week’s agreement in Istanbul has taken place following an initial delay, both governments confirmed Monday.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the first batch of Russian soldiers released by Ukraine have entered Belarusian territory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also confirmed the exchange, stating, “Today the exchange began, which will continue in several stages over the next few days.”
The exchange follows an agreement reached during the second round of renewed negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul. The deal includes the exchange of up to 1,200 prisoners, prioritizing seriously wounded individuals and all prisoners of war under the age of 25.
While neither side disclosed the number of prisoners exchanged on Monday, both confirmed that the individuals released included the seriously wounded and those under 25, as stipulated by the agreement.
Last month, a separate deal reached during the first round of Istanbul talks on May 16 resulted in a one-for-one exchange of 1,000 prisoners. However, controversy arose when it was revealed that among the Russians released were civilians from the Kursk region who had been taken to Ukrainian territory during last year’s Ukrainian offensive into that area.
Reports now suggest that Ukraine is willing to exchange political prisoners and individuals charged with aiding Russian forces, amid what Ukrainian officials describe as a shortage of Russian POWs currently in Ukrainian custody. Many of those detained on collaboration charges are civilians who allegedly continued working during Russian occupation, including performing tasks such as repairing police vehicles or distributing humanitarian aid in cities like Kherson and regions such as Kharkov.
Over the weekend, Russia accused Ukraine of skipping a scheduled swap. According to Russian officials, an exchange was planned for Saturday but was postponed by Ukraine without explanation.
Additionally, Russian officials have stated they are prepared to return the bodies of approximately 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers recovered from the battlefield. However, Ukraine has thus far declined to accept them.