Ukraine, Russia conduct second phase of prisoner swap

IANS June 12, 2025 311 views

Ukraine and Russia have continued their prisoner exchange process, focusing on wounded and young soldiers. The swap represents a delicate diplomatic effort amid ongoing military tensions. Both countries confirmed the release of servicemen through official channels. This exchange follows previous negotiations in Istanbul and aims to repatriate captives from both sides.

"Servicemen from Ukrainian Armed Forces have been released" - Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian President
Kyiv/Moscow, June 12: Ukraine and Russia on Thursday carried out the second phase of a prisoner exchange involving seriously ill and severely wounded captives, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Key Points

1

Prisoner swap involves seriously ill and wounded combatants

2

Exchange follows Istanbul diplomatic talks

3

Both sides release soldiers under 25

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram that servicemen from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service were among those released.

Meanwhile, the Russian Defence Ministry said another group of Russian servicemen have returned from Ukrainian captivity and are currently receiving necessary medical and psychological assistance in Belarus, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on June 9, Ukraine and Russia had carried out the first stage of a prisoner exchange following agreements reached in Istanbul, Ukraine's Coordinating Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported.

The Russian Defence Ministry had said in a statement that "the first group of Russian servicemen under the age of 25 was returned from the territory controlled by the Kyiv regime".

A similar number of prisoners of war from the Ukrainian army were also transferred, it added.

During their last round of talks in Istanbul on June 2, Russia and Ukraine agreed on an "all-for-all" exchange involving seriously ill and wounded prisoners, as well as soldiers under the age of 25.

Efforts remain ongoing to repatriate the bodies of Ukrainian servicemen.

On Saturday, Ukraine's Coordinating Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War had denied Russia's claim that Kyiv was delaying a prisoner exchange agreed on Monday.

"Today's statements by the Russian side do not reflect the reality and previously reached agreements," the agency said in a statement.

According to the statement, Ukraine had handed over to Russia the list of prisoners designated for the exchange, including those seriously wounded and ill. However, Russia had submitted different lists that "do not meet" the agreed parameters of the swap.

The agency said Ukraine had given Russia relevant comments, and the next move was expected from the Russian side.

Russia also accused Ukraine of indefinitely delaying a planned swap of prisoners and the handover of fallen soldiers' bodies.

Reader Comments

Here are 5 diverse Indian perspective comments on the Ukraine-Russia prisoner swap:
R
Rajesh K.
This is good humanitarian news amidst the ongoing conflict. India should learn from this - we also have soldiers in Pakistani captivity. Hope our government can negotiate similar swaps for our bravehearts. 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
While prisoner swaps are positive, the war continues to destroy lives. India must maintain its neutral stance and keep pushing for peace talks. Our foreign policy of non-alignment is being tested but remains the right approach.
A
Amit S.
Interesting to see Belarus involved as mediator. Maybe Nepal or Bhutan could play similar roles in our region during conflicts? Small nations sometimes have more neutral credibility than big powers. Food for thought!
S
Sunita R.
The psychological trauma these soldiers must be facing is unimaginable 😔 Hope they get proper care. India should strengthen mental health services for our armed forces too - we often neglect this aspect.
V
Vikram J.
Both sides accusing each other of delaying tactics shows how difficult such negotiations are. Makes me appreciate how complex our border talks with China must be. Diplomacy isn't as simple as people think!

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Tags:
Ukraine War Prisoner Exchange Volodymyr Zelensky Russia Ukraine Conflict Diplomatic Negotiations