Russia Ukraine Begin Largest Prisoner Swap

According to the reports on Monday (9 June), Russia and Ukraine have initiated a significant prisoner swap, marking the first exchange of captured soldiers under a deal reached during peace talks. This agreement, the only tangible outcome of the recent negotiations, includes both the repatriation of fallen soldiers and the return of prisoners of war. The talks, however, have yet to produce any major breakthrough toward ending the three-year conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the swap on social media, stating that the process would continue in several stages over the coming days. He shared images of the returning soldiers, many of whom were wounded or under the age of 25, wrapped in Ukrainian flags. Russia’s defense ministry also acknowledged the exchange, linking it to the agreements made on June 2 in Istanbul.

The exchange had appeared uncertain over the weekend, as both Moscow and Kyiv accused each other of obstructing the process. Zelensky accused Russia of breaking the agreed terms and engaging in political manipulation, particularly by not adhering to the commitment to release all sick, wounded, and young prisoners. In response, Russia claimed that Ukraine was refusing to retrieve the bodies of deceased soldiers.

Neither side disclosed the exact number of soldiers released in the swap. However, both indicated that the operation would involve more than 1,000 captured troops, making it the largest prisoner exchange of the war so far. The development represents a rare point of cooperation amid otherwise stalled and contentious peace efforts.

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Russia and Ukraine Begin Largest Soldier Swap Despite Weekend Tensions and Accusations