Ukraine and Russia have launched their largest prisoner swap since the war began, exchanging 1,000 prisoners from each side. On May 23, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that 390 Ukrainian soldiers were returned home in the first phase of the “1000-for-1000” deal brokered during direct negotiations in Istanbul on May 16.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense confirmed 270 soldiers and 120 civilians were returned in the initial swap. The exchange is expected to continue through the weekend.

A Rare Breakthrough in Stalled Diplomacy

Zelensky called the swap the only tangible outcome of the Istanbul talks, describing it as a humanitarian achievement amid a deadlocked diplomatic landscape. “We are bringing our people home,” he said, emphasizing Ukraine's ongoing efforts to identify and secure the release of all captives.

The coordination included support from Nordic and Baltic diplomats, with Ukrainian officials hopeful this could lead to more direct dialogue with Moscow.

Beyond the Battlefield: Journalists, Civilians, and Children

While the current exchange involves combatants, Ukraine continues to push for the release of journalists and political prisoners. At least 31 media professionals remain detained in Russia, and 103 have been killed during the conflict. Some journalists, including Viktoriia Roshchyna, have reportedly been tortured to death in captivity.

Ukraine also accuses Russia of unlawfully detaining 16,000 civilians and deporting over 19,500 children. Only 1,300 have been repatriated, prompting the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and other officials for war crimes.

At least 8,000 Ukrainian service members are held captive by Russia, Iryna Vereshchuk, presidential office deputy head, said on May 1, citing data from Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of POWs.