Russia announced on Sunday that it had successfully orchestrated the exchange of 303 Ukrainian prisoners of war for an equal number of Russian soldiers held by Ukraine. This marked the final phase of the largest prisoner swap to date between the two countries, which have been embroiled in conflict since 2022.
According to the Russian defense ministry, the exchange was carried out in accordance with agreements established in Istanbul on May 16. Over the weekend, both sides completed a substantial swap, reportedly involving 1,000 individuals in total. The exchange unfolded in three stages, with the first phase resulting in the release of 390 individuals on Friday, followed by another 307 on Saturday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the completion of the swap, highlighting the ongoing efforts of both nations to negotiate the returns of their respective servicemen and women.
In the wake of this significant exchange, Russia indicated its intentions to present Ukraine with proposed terms for a peace settlement. However, specific details regarding these terms have yet to be disclosed, leaving uncertainties surrounding the potential for future negotiations and a ceasefire amidst mounting international pressure.
The development emphasizes the precarious state of relations between the two nations while also underscoring ongoing humanitarian concerns tied to the war.
