Ukraine and Russia Conduct POW Exchange Under Istanbul Deal

Ukraine and Russia exchanged prisoners of war on Thursday in the latest swap brokered under an ongoing agreement mediated in Istanbul, offering a rare moment of cooperation amid an otherwise stalled diplomatic landscape.

Humanitarian Focus in Ongoing Conflict

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy shared photos of freed Ukrainian soldiers, many visibly emotional and wrapped in the national flag. “Most of these troops were captured in the early months of the war,” Zelenskiy said in a post.

Kyiv’s coordinating council for POWs confirmed that those released were sick or injured. Meanwhile, Russia’s defense ministry stated that its returning prisoners would receive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Quiet Progress Despite Stalemate

Neither side released the total number of prisoners involved, but both confirmed the exchange as part of a framework negotiated in Istanbul. While broader peace talks have seen little advancement, such humanitarian swaps remain one of the few functional channels between the warring states.

“The war continues, but we will not abandon our people,” Zelenskiy emphasized, adding that every returned fighter strengthens national morale.