Ukraine and Russia have carried out another exchange of prisoners of war, this time focusing on severely wounded and ill servicemen, officials confirmed Thursday. The latest swap is part of a broader agreement struck in Istanbul earlier this month, which includes prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of thousands of fallen soldiers.

While the number of exchanged individuals was not disclosed, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed that all returned Ukrainian troops required urgent medical treatment. His statement, shared via Telegram, emphasized the country’s ongoing efforts to recover its defenders.

Bodies Recovered in Parallel Deal

In a related development, Ukraine reported the return of 1,212 bodies of its fallen soldiers, while Russia acknowledged the repatriation of 27 bodies of its own troops. Kremlin adviser Vladimir Medinsky noted that the arrangements stemmed from June 2 negotiations.

Russia's Defense Ministry said its soldiers crossed into Belarus following their release, where they were receiving psychological and medical assistance.

Focus on Youth and Severe Cases

Recent swaps have prioritized under-25s, the gravely wounded, and those in poor health. The exchanges mark a shift toward addressing the war’s humanitarian toll, amid stalled peace talks and ongoing fighting since Russia’s 2022 invasion.

Officials in both countries hope these exchanges could lead to some of the most significant humanitarian agreements of the war.