Russia, Ukraine Conduct New Prisoner Swap Amid War Crime Claims

Russia and Ukraine have recently conducted another prisoner-of-war exchange, with reports indicating an equal number of prisoners were swapped, though exact figures remain confidential. This exchange is part of ongoing efforts under the Istanbul agreements, with future rounds planned and involving seriously wounded and ill soldiers, many of whom are defenders of Mariupol. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has strongly condemned Russia's treatment of Ukrainian prisoners, labeling it as war crimes and crimes against humanity, with 95% of released prisoners reporting torture, sexual violence, or inhumane treatment. PACE has called for urgent international intervention and the establishment of an international mechanism for prisoner exchanges on an "all for all" basis, involving the International Committee of the Red Cross and neutral states. The resolution also highlights Russia's systematic violations of the Third Geneva Convention, including denial of medical care and obstruction of international access to detention facilities, and officially names Belarus as involved in detaining Ukrainian prisoners. These developments underscore the critical need for political negotiations prioritizing the humane treatment, mutual release, and repatriation of all prisoners amid the ongoing conflict.