Ukraine,Russia Complete Large-Scale Prisoner Exchange Including Severely Wounded Soldiers

Ukraine and Russia have commenced a multi-stage prisoner exchange based on agreements reached during talks in Istanbul on June 2, focusing initially on the return of severely wounded soldiers and those aged 25 and under. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the humanitarian importance of this process, noting that many returning soldiers suffer from severe injuries, chronic illnesses, and require immediate medical attention. The exchanged prisoners include members from various Ukrainian defense branches, including the Navy, Ground Forces, National Guard, and others, with some having been held captive for over three years, including defenders of Mariupol. While the exact number of prisoners released has not been disclosed due to security concerns, both sides confirmed an equal number of personnel were swapped. The exchange also involves the repatriation of thousands of bodies and the return of deported children, although there have been tensions with Russia allegedly delaying parts of the process. Despite the ongoing conflict, the prisoner exchange remains one of the few areas of cooperation between the two countries, with negotiations continuing to ensure the full implementation of the humanitarian agreement.