Russia and Ukraine have executed a prisoner of war exchange involving young detainees, all under the age of 25, according to a statement issued by Russia’s Defense Ministry on Monday. This exchange was reportedly a result of direct discussions held between the two countries earlier in the month.
The discussion that took place in Istanbul on June 2 led to a commitment to carry out an exchange of at least 1,200 prisoners of war on each side. The focus of this exchange is on the youngest captives and those most severely wounded. Furthermore, an agreement was reached to repatriate the bodies of thousands who lost their lives in the conflict.
Reports indicate that this would be the largest exchange once finalized, with expectations for it to occur in stages. This development follows earlier reports that the return of prisoners of war and the repatriation of bodies is one of the few points of agreement between Russia and Ukraine, as their broader negotiations have yet to make significant strides toward ending the conflict now entering its fourth year.
The Russian Defense Ministry, in its statement, did not provide the exact number of prisoners exchanged on Monday but assured that both sides had swapped an equal number of military personnel. According to reliable sources, Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky disclosed over the weekend that a list of 640 POWs had been handed over to Ukraine.
The Russian military reports its returned servicemen are currently in Belarus, a close ally, where they are receiving psychological and medical assistance before being transferred to Russia for additional care. On Monday, the Kremlin reiterated its readiness to honor agreements with Ukraine on the prisoner of war exchange and the repatriation of fallen soldiers, despite allegations of Kyiv’s failure to fully fulfill its side of the deal.
This highlights the ongoing diplomatic efforts, however strained, between these two nations amidst an enduring conflict. Yet, it also raises important questions about the broader path to peace and the toll this war is taking on the younger generation. As always, we will continue to keep a watchful eye on the developments.
