Russia and Ukraine complete second major prisoner exchange in one week amid escalating conflict

Russia announced that it had swapped another 303 Ukrainian prisoners of war for an equal number of Russian soldiers held by Ukraine. This marks the second large-scale prisoner exchange in under a week and wraps up what has turned into the biggest swap between the two countries since the war escalated.

The Russian Defense Ministry stated that the exchange was conducted according to agreements made in Istanbul on May 16. The ministry said in a statement, “In accordance with the Russian-Ukrainian agreements reached in Istanbul, the Russian and Ukrainian sides have over the weekend carried out the exchange of 1,000 people for 1,000 people.”

This significant exchange is part of growing international efforts to ease tensions and advocate for a ceasefire during one of the longest and most destructive conflicts in Europe since World War II.

The prisoner swap occurs in the context of a conflict that began in February 2022, when Russia initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, citing security worries about NATO’s expansion eastward and claims of discrimination against Russian-speaking individuals in Ukraine.

Since that time, tens of thousands have lost their lives, cities have been destroyed, and millions of Ukrainians have been forced to flee.

Despite numerous diplomatic attempts, including discussions facilitated by Turkey and the United Nations, a lasting peace agreement has not been achieved.

 The frontlines have become particularly entrenched in Ukraine’s eastern areas, such as Donetsk and Luhansk, where some of the most intense fighting continues.

This recent exchange follows another significant swap earlier in the week, where both sides released over 600 prisoners each. The total exchanges now exceed 1,000 soldiers returned to their respective nations in just a few days — a rare indication of cooperation between Moscow and Kyiv amid a harsh war characterized by profound distrust and significant casualties.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office has confirmed the recent exchange and shared photos of the soldiers who have returned, many of whom were taken prisoner during fights in Mariupol, Bakhmut, and other fiercely contested areas. Some of the released Ukrainians looked very thin and emotionally shaken, showing the tough conditions they endured while in captivity.

Russia celebrated the return of its servicemen with broadcasted videos that displayed military officials welcoming them back and promising ongoing support for Russian forces on the frontlines.