Russian nationals, soldiers return to country in inmate exchange with Ukraine
(MENAFN) Russia successfully repatriated approximately 270 military personnel and 120 civilians on Friday evening following a major prisoner swap with Ukraine. This exchange, the largest since the conflict escalated in 2022, was agreed during last week’s direct peace talks in Istanbul — the first negotiations between the two sides in nearly three years.
Under the agreement, each country released 270 soldiers and 120 civilians in the first phase of the 1,000-for-1,000 exchange deal. The Russian returnees were initially flown to Belarus, a key ally, before being transferred to Moscow. Russian media broadcast footage of their arrival, and some of the released residents from the border Kursk Region have already returned home.
Russia’s Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova praised the release, especially of civilians and political prisoners detained during a Ukrainian incursion into Russian territory last year. She noted that some individuals needed medical care and described their experiences as resembling stories from “thrillers or political novels.” However, she said about 34 Russians still remain in Ukrainian custody.
The exchange is expected to continue in the coming days. Once completed, Russia intends to formally present a draft peace memorandum to Ukraine, according to Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. He said the proposal aligns with principles discussed in Istanbul and is currently being finalized.
According to the Telegram channel Mash, the swap could result in the return of nearly all Russian soldiers captured over the past three years — around 1,300 in total. In contrast, Ukraine is expected to recover only a small fraction of its troops currently held by Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he had agreed with U.S. President Donald Trump that the next move toward peace should involve a memorandum outlining key settlement principles and timelines. Trump praised the launch of the prisoner swap and expressed optimism that it could pave the way for broader progress.
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