Prisoner Swap Hopes Fade as Russia and Ukraine Exchange Accusations

A significant prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine—seen as the sole tangible result of recent peace negotiations—has come under uncertainty after both nations accused each other of obstructing the process.

The expected swap, which was scheduled for this weekend, faced delays as Russia intensified its military offensive, launching a series of missiles, drones, and bombs throughout the country on Saturday, resulting in at least 10 fatalities.

During discussions in Istanbul on Monday, both parties had agreed to release all injured soldiers and those under 25 who had been captured, totaling over 1,000 individuals from each side. Russia also pledged to return the remains of 6,000 deceased Ukrainian soldiers.

On Saturday, Moscow alleged that Ukraine failed to collect the bodies and had not agreed on a date for the prisoner exchange, while Kyiv claimed that Russia was engaged in «manipulative tactics» by deviating from the agreed terms.

Vladimir Medinsky, Russia’s chief negotiator, stated on social media that “the Ukrainian side has unexpectedly postponed the acceptance of the bodies and the exchange of prisoners indefinitely.” A spokesperson from the Defense Ministry mentioned that «the Ukrainian side is still avoiding the establishment of a date» for the initial phase of the exchange.

This exchange was anticipated to be the largest of the ongoing conflict, surpassing the previous month’s 1,000-for-1,000 agreement achieved during earlier negotiations in Istanbul.

After the Istanbul discussions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed confidence that it would proceed this weekend, while Russia indicated readiness for Saturday, Sunday, or Monday.

In response to Russia’s claims, Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War asserted that no date had been agreed for the return of the bodies and that the list of names provided by Russia did not align with the agreement’s stipulations.

“Regrettably, rather than a constructive dialogue, we are once again confronted with manipulations,” it conveyed through a social media statement.

“We urge the Russian side to cease these underhanded tactics and return to productive efforts to expedite the repatriation of individuals from both sides, ensuring the agreement is honored in the coming days,” it added.

In the backdrop of this dispute, Russia launched an extensive aerial assault across Ukraine early Saturday, leading to the deaths of five individuals in retaliation for a recent striking attack on airbases. Reports indicate that the city of Kharkiv was particularly affected, experiencing its most severe assault since the escalation of hostilities.

At least 10 people died during the overnight strikes and continued attacks throughout Saturday, according to official reports. Mayor Ihor Terekhov described the assault as «the most powerful attack since the onset of full-scale war.»

Casualties included four individuals killed and over 20 injured as residential buildings were struck overnight, with guided munitions unleashed on the city throughout Saturday afternoon. Additionally, three fatalities occurred in the Donetsk region, which has seen some of the conflict’s most intense clashes, alongside three others in the Kherson region, partially occupied by Russian forces.

Since the onset of Russia’s invasion in February 2022, tens of thousands have lost their lives, and millions have been displaced as numerous cities and villages in eastern Ukraine have been ravaged.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha urged Western allies to take action against Russia for its refusal to cease hostilities. «To stop the killing and destruction by Russia, increased pressure on Moscow is necessary, along with enhanced support for Ukraine,» he stated on social media.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia deployed 206 drones and nine missiles in its overnight attacks. The Russian Defense Ministry characterized the operation as a «group strike» aimed at «military-industrial» facilities within Ukraine.

Despite ongoing negotiations, there has been no significant advancement toward ceasing the conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin has set forth extensive demands as prerequisites for a ceasefire, which include the complete withdrawal of troops from four regions claimed by Russia but not fully controlled by its military, an end to Western military assistance, and a prohibition on Ukraine joining NATO.

Zelensky has dismissed these demands as outdated ultimatums, questioned the necessity of further discussions, and called for a summit involving himself, Putin, and Trump.