Russia – Ukraine: The largest exchange of captives began after the 2022 invasion
Ukraine and Russia began the largest exchange of prisoners of war, in a process that is expected to take several days.
Confirming that the first phase of the exchange took place, the Ukrainian President, Boldimir Zelenskisaid Ukraine had returned 390 people to Russia and that the process would continue on Saturday and Sunday.
The deal was reached during the first direct talks of both sides in Constantinople, where the prospects for a truce were also discussed.
« It is very important for everyone to return home, » Zelenski wrote on Telegram, thanking all those who worked to secure their return and pledged to continue diplomatic efforts to make more exchanges possible.
First prisoner exchanges
Agreement to exchange 1,000 prisoners
The Ukrainian Coordination Headquarters said that the 270 Ukrainian soldiers had fought in areas in the east and north, from Kiev, Chernihov and Sumi to Donetsk, Kharkov and Hersona. Three of the 390 released on Friday were women, he added.
Moscow and Kyiv agreed in Constantinople in an exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war on each side. The exchange of prisoners was confirmed by both the Russian delegation and the head of the Ukrainian delegation and Minister of Defense, Rustem Umero.
The first stage of the exchange took place at the border with Belarus in northern Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian official who spoke under anonymity. Earlier, the Ukrainian authorities told reporters to gather at a location in the northern Cernihov area, expecting that some of the captives could be transported there.
The Trump Post
Confirming the exchange, the Russian Ministry of Defense said that the first phase was completed in which, he said, 270 soldiers and 120 civilians returned who, he claimed, had been captured in Kursk, Russia.
They are currently on the territory of Belarus and will be transferred to Russia for medical examinations and treatment, the ministry said.
Although dozens of smaller scale exchanges have been made, no other traditions have been involved in any other civilians.
US President Donald Trump posted his congratulations earlier via the Truth Social platform, arguing that the transaction was completed and wondered « could this lead to something great? »
A new meeting is not expected immediately
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday (23/05) that talks on the war in Ukraine would not be repeated immediately, « canceling » Pope Leo’s initiative for an appointment in June.
« It would be uncomfortable for two Orthodox countries, such as Russia and Ukraine, to discuss in a universal space, » the Russian Foreign Minister commented.
At the same time, the head of Russian diplomacy noted that there was no final agreement on the new appointment between the two countries. « The dates are not specified. Many imagine when and where it will happen, but at present there is nothing specific, « he said, speaking at a conference in Russia.
However, he stressed that the draft agreement to resolve the conflict in Ukraine is at an advanced stage, but without revealing further details.
Smiles in Ukrainian captives
‘Fire’ in Zelenski
From the step of the conference, Lavrov fired a fire against Ukraine President Volodimir Zelenski, describing the « junta » leadership, while arguing that Moscow would not allow Ukraine Russian -speaking citizens to remain under its « rule ».
« It would be a crime for Russia to allow it, » the Russian minister stressed, adding that the international community should require Kiev to cancel the laws that are discriminating against Russian -speaking.
