On Sunday, May 25, Russia announced the completion of another major prisoner swap, releasing 303 Ukrainian soldiers in exchange for 303 Russian servicemen, marking the second large-scale swap between the two countries in less than a week. This exchange, which brings the total to 1,000 prisoners swapped, was conducted in accordance with agreements made in Istanbul on May 16. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that both sides agreed to the 1,000-for-1,000 swap over the weekend, following extensive negotiations.
This high-profile swap is seen as part of a broader international push to ease tensions and encourage a ceasefire in one of the most prolonged and devastating conflicts in Europe since World War II. The war, which began in February 2022 with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, has led to significant casualties, widespread destruction, and millions displaced. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, including negotiations led by Turkey and the United Nations, no lasting peace agreement has been reached, and fighting remains intense, particularly in Ukraine’s eastern regions.
The latest swap follows a similar exchange earlier in the week, where both nations freed over 600 prisoners each. This brings the total number of exchanged soldiers to over 1,000 within a few days, providing a rare moment of cooperation between Moscow and Kyiv amidst the war’s heavy toll. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the exchange, sharing images of returning soldiers, some of whom were captured in intense battles in Mariupol, Bakhmut, and other critical areas. Many of the released Ukrainians showed signs of harsh treatment during their captivity, including emaciation and emotional distress.
In Russia, the returning soldiers were welcomed with televised footage showing military officials expressing support for them and vowing continued backing for Russian forces on the frontlines. This series of exchanges highlights a brief, yet significant, period of cooperation between the warring nations amid the ongoing devastation.
