Ukraine, Russia Set for 1,000-for-1,000 Prisoner Exchange Amid Ongoing Ceasefire Talks
Following high-stakes peace negotiations in Istanbul, Ukrainian and Russian officials confirmed plans for a large-scale prisoner swap involving 1,000 detainees from each side, Anadolu Agency reported.
Ukrainian Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanov told TSN that an exchange could occur as early as next week, stating, “There will be an exchange — whoever we can take, we will take. And give it back in the same way,” according to Interfax-Ukraine.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov noted that both delegations reached agreement on the format and timing of the swap, though the exact date remains undisclosed. Acting under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s directive, Ukraine’s team also discussed possible steps toward a ceasefire—a measure aimed at stabilizing the tense situation. Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinsky confirmed that preparations for the proposed “1,000-for-1,000” swap are well underway.
The May 16 meeting in Istanbul, part of Türkiye’s mediation efforts, also highlighted humanitarian considerations and brought renewed attention to the potential of prisoner exchanges as a confidence-building measure. Observers believe that this significant step could pave the way for further diplomatic breakthroughs, including high-level discussions between Ukrainian and Russian leaders.
It should be mentioned that the Russo-Ukrainian War has been ongoing since February 2014. The conflict escalated significantly on February 24, 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion. The conflict has taken hundreds of thousands of lives in one of the deadliest wars seen in the 21 century.
