Russia-Ukraine Prisoner Swap: Second Stage Confirmed
Russia and Ukraine confirmed a second prisoner exchange, a notable humanitarian step following Istanbul peace talks. This latest progress signals progress in the ongoing conflict, with both sides focused on releasing wounded and young soldiers. Ukraine, in return, saw its captured soldiers return; President Zelensky confirmed the swap, highlighting the urgent need for medical care upon their return and emphasizing further exchanges. The agreement also involves the release of over 1,000 wounded soldiers and soldiers under 25 from each side and the exchange of bodies. News Directory 3 understands this is happening amid mutual accusations. Discover what’s next in the evolving efforts to bring all service members home, as future exchanges are planned.
Russia, Ukraine Conduct Second Prisoner Exchange after Istanbul Talks
Updated June 11, 2025
Russia and Ukraine have completed a second exchange of prisoners of war, both sides confirmed Tuesday. This latest prisoner exchange was part of an agreement reached during peace negotiations held in Istanbul last week, marking a significant humanitarian act between the warring nations.
The Russian Defence Ministry stated that another group of its military personnel had been returned from territory under Kyiv’s control. In return, ukraine received a group of its captured soldiers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the swap on X, emphasizing the ongoing effort to bring Ukrainian people home. He noted that those returning require immediate medical care and highlighted the exchange as an vital humanitarian measure. Zelensky added that the exchange included personnel from various Ukrainian services and that further exchanges are planned.
The agreement made in Istanbul included the release of all wounded troops and soldiers under 25—totaling over 1,000 from each side—along with an exchange of the bodies of 6,000 deceased soldiers.
The initial stage of the exchange focused on younger soldiers, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. zelensky also acknowledged this detail in his social media post.
While the exact number of soldiers involved in the exchanges remains undisclosed, Russia previously released a video showing a busload of returning soldiers. No similar footage accompanied Tuesday’s declaration.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that its returning troops are receiving medical and psychological support in Belarus before being transported home for further treatment.
These exchanges occur amidst recent mutual accusations regarding violations related to the repatriation of fallen soldiers’ remains.
What’s next
Future exchanges are anticipated as both sides continue to implement the agreements made during the Istanbul talks, with a focus on humanitarian efforts and the return of service members.