Big inmates swap between Ukraine, Russia coming ahead
(MENAFN) Ukraine and Russia have finalized a significant deal in Istanbul, paving the way for what is being described as the most substantial exchange of prisoners and war casualties since the onset of the conflict in February 2022, according to official statements following peace discussions facilitated by Türkiye.
During a press briefing, Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov outlined the details of the arrangement, stating that both countries had come to terms on a humanitarian-focused swap. “We agreed on an ‘all-for-all’ exchange of seriously wounded and seriously ill prisoners of war. The second category is young soldiers aged 18 to 25,” he explained.
He further elaborated that both sides had reached consensus on the repatriation of 6,000 fallen soldiers from each nation, making the scope of the deal especially notable. “We also agreed on the return of 6,000-for-6,000 bodies of dead soldiers,” he said, clarifying that although specific numbers were discussed, the emphasis remained on addressing particular humanitarian categories rather than strict numerical quotas.
Umerov also reinforced Ukraine’s broader position on the matter, declaring: “we insist on the release of all prisoners and the return of all our captives and abducted children.”
A representative leading the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, affirmed that Moscow had also committed to the agreement. Speaking to reporters in Istanbul, he acknowledged that this deal would mark the most extensive prisoner exchange yet between the two nations.
"We have agreed on the largest-scale prisoner exchange based on the following formula -- firstly, all severely wounded and gravely ill soldiers will be exchanged on an 'all-for-all' principle. Secondly, young soldiers aged up to 25 will also be exchanged under the same 'all-for-all' formula," Medinsky stated.
He added that the initial estimates suggest each side would exchange no fewer than 1,000 individuals, although final counts may rise as both parties continue verifying the exact figures.
According to reports, this development reflects a rare moment of cooperation amid a prolonged and intense conflict, signaling potential pathways for further humanitarian negotiations moving forward.
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