Prisoner exchange: Ukraine conducts a thorough check of names
21 May 23:28
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy explained how Ukraine is preparing for a large-scale exchange of prisoners in the 1000-for-1000 format. Each name of Ukrainians is currently being checked. The head of state said this in an evening video address, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
Zelensky said that he listens to reports on Ukraine’s preparations for a large-scale exchange of prisoners with Russia almost daily.
“And one more thing of principle. We are preparing the exchange. In fact, there are reports almost every day. We have to release all our people, of course. We check the information on each name. We are trying to do our best. We are trying very hard,” he emphasized.
This exchange will be the largest in the history of the full-scale war. The agreement was first announced after a meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul on May 16.
The Minister of Defense emphasized that the exact date of the exchange has already been determined, but is not disclosed for security reasons. At the same time, the head of the Defense Intelligence Service, Kyrylo Budanov, said that the exchange could take place in the coming days, probably by the end of this week.
“It all depends on technical nuances, but there is political will on both sides,” Budanov said.
“The Security Service of Ukraine has already started implementing the operational phase of the exchange. Preparations are underway for transportation, identification and health checks of future returnees. They are also preparing the infrastructure to receive the released Ukrainian servicemen, including medical facilities. In addition, efforts are underway to ensure that the released defenders have access to psychological assistance and reintegration into society.
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What preceded it
The first direct talks between representatives of Ukraine and the Russian Federation in three years took place on May 16 in Istanbul. The meeting, which lasted about 90 minutes, was an important event amid the ongoing war and the absence of direct high-level dialogue since 2022. Despite limited expectations, the two sides discussed two key issues: a possible exchange of prisoners of war and the conditions for a potential ceasefire.
On the Russian side, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the discussion of the prisoner exchange was constructive. He also acknowledged that the agreement on the “1000 for 1000” format was one of the results of the Istanbul talks.
Despite some progress in the humanitarian sphere, the parties did not report any concrete agreements on a ceasefire. However, experts see the very fact that direct dialogue has resumed as a “trial reconnaissance” before possible broader negotiations in the future. The Ukrainian side has clearly stated that its priority is humanitarian issues, while the strategic conditions for peace remain far from being agreed upon.
The previous official talks between Ukraine and Russia, mediated by Turkey, took place in March 2022, when the parties met in Istanbul, but did not make significant progress. The May talks, according to political analysts, are intended to show the international community that the parties are ready for at least a limited dialogue amid international initiatives to resolve the conflict.
How many Ukrainian soldiers were released from Russian captivity
According to the Coordination Center for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, a total of 4757 Ukrainian citizens have been released by the Coordination Center as part of the negotiation process and exchanges since March 2022. A total of 64 prisoner exchanges have taken place since then.
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